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Israel Intensifies Strikes on Gaza Following Ceasefire Agreement Announcement

Israel escalated its military operations in Gaza shortly after a ceasefire and hostage release deal was announced, according to reports from local authorities and residents of the besieged Palestinian enclave. Mediators have been working to de-escalate the violence ahead of the truce, which is set to begin on Sunday.

The ceasefire agreement, reached after months of negotiations led by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, seeks to end 15 months of devastating conflict that has left tens of thousands dead and significantly destabilized the region. The deal includes a six-week ceasefire and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. In return, Hamas, which governs Gaza, has agreed to release hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

At a press briefing in Doha, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani confirmed the ceasefire would take effect Sunday. Negotiators are reportedly working closely with both sides to implement the terms of the agreement.

“This deal will halt the fighting in Gaza, deliver much-needed humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, and reunite hostages with their families after more than 15 months in captivity,” U.S. President Joe Biden said in Washington. His predecessor, Donald Trump, who is set to assume office on Monday, also claimed credit for facilitating the agreement.

Israel’s security cabinet and government are expected to vote on the deal Thursday, with approval anticipated despite resistance from hardliners within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government.

Escalation Despite Agreement

Celebrations erupted in both Gaza and Israel following the announcement. However, Israeli forces intensified their bombardment of Gaza shortly after, with medics reporting 32 fatalities late Wednesday night. Strikes continued into Thursday, targeting residential areas in Gaza City, Rafah, Nuseirat, and northern Gaza. While Hamas refrained from retaliatory attacks, mediators urged both sides to halt hostilities ahead of the truce.

Amid the heightened attacks, Gaza residents expressed mixed emotions. Many cautioned against complacency, fearing a surge in violence before the ceasefire begins. Still, news of the agreement brought hope and relief to the war-torn region.

In Khan Younis, thousands took to the streets in celebration, waving Palestinian flags and cheering. “I’m happy. Yes, I’m crying, but these are tears of joy,” said Ghada, a displaced mother of five.

Similarly, families of Israeli hostages expressed cautious optimism, describing the agreement as a source of “overwhelming joy and relief.” Hamas lauded the deal as “a turning point” and “an achievement for our people.”

The Agreement and Its Implications

The ceasefire deal addresses immediate humanitarian and political concerns while laying the groundwork for longer-term resolutions. Phase one involves releasing 33 hostages, including women, children, and older men, with two Americans among those to be freed. Humanitarian aid to Gaza will also be significantly increased, with organizations like the World Food Program preparing to scale up operations.

“A ceasefire is the start—not the end. We have food lined up at Gaza’s borders and need to bring it in at scale,” said Cindy McCain, Executive Director of the World Food Program.

Global reactions to the agreement have been overwhelmingly positive, with leaders from Egypt, Turkey, Britain, the United Nations, and other international entities celebrating the development. Both President Biden and President-elect Trump claimed credit for brokering the deal, with Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, playing a critical role in the final negotiations.

Challenges Ahead

While the ceasefire offers a temporary reprieve, questions remain about its implementation and the future governance of Gaza. The deal’s second phase, set to begin within 16 days, includes negotiations for the release of all remaining hostages, a permanent ceasefire, and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces. The third phase will focus on recovering the bodies of the deceased and initiating reconstruction efforts under the supervision of Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations.

As the ceasefire unfolds, regional stability hangs in the balance. The conflict, which began after Hamas-led attacks on Israeli border communities in October 2023, has fueled violence across the Middle East, raising concerns of a broader war involving Israel and Iran.

Despite the hurdles, the agreement represents a critical step toward peace in a region that has endured relentless bloodshed and displacement. However, the success of the ceasefire will ultimately depend on sustained commitment from all parties involved.

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