Israel has agreed to a temporary ceasefire put forward by United States President Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, during the religious periods of Ramzan and passover, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office.
The ceasefire, which aims to ease tensions in Gaza amid the ongoing conflict, was set to take effect as the first phase of the previously agreed truce neared its expiration. However, the full details of the ceasefire’s implementation remain undisclosed.
As the holy month of Ramzan begins, many around the world prepare for prayer and fasting, but in Gaza, the mood is sorrowful and filled with uncertainty. For the people of Gaza, the trauma of past conflicts continues to haunt them.
A local resident recalls observing Ramadan during the 2014 war, when they were forced to flee airstrikes in the middle of the night.
Another resident described the previous year’s Ramadan as difficult, with food scarcity leaving families to break their fast with meager provisions, often sharing just a single can of hummus or beans among six people, all while sitting in the darkness, due to no electricity.
Despite the current ceasefire, anxiety prevails in Gaza, with many fearing the resumption of violence. As tensions continue, there is no guarantee the truce will hold and many are left questioning what the future holds. The echoes of previous conflicts and the ongoing uncertainties weigh heavily on the minds of Gaza’s residents.
Meanwhile, protests have erupted in Israel, with thousands gathering on Begin Street in Tel Aviv. Demonstrators are calling for the release of the remaining hostages taken by Hamas during the attack on October 7, 2023, and for the completion of the second phase of the ceasefire deal. The attack on that fateful day marked one of the deadliest attacks in Israel’s history. Thousands of rockets were fired from Gaza, targeting Israeli cities and towns.
Simultaneously, Hamas forces breached Israel’s borders using various methods, including vehicles, paragliders and on foot, carrying out mass shootings, kidnappings and other violent acts. Over 200 individuals, including both Israelis and foreign nationals, were taken hostage and brought to Gaza.
The October 7 attack was the deadliest single day for Israel in decades, with over 1,100 Israelis killed. This devastating attack led Israel to declare war on Hamas, resulting in extensive airstrikes and a ground invasion of Gaza.
The war has since caused massive human suffering, with thousands of deaths on both sides.
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