Celebrations flood Gaza after the announcement of a ceasefire deal that is set to put an end to over 15 months of Israeli war
CAIRO – 16 January 2025: The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude to the countries mediating the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, particularly Egypt and Qatar, which is hoped will end the Israeli war that has persisted since 2023 in the enclave.
Egypt, Qatar, and the US, which have mediated talks between Israel and Hamas over the past year, announced on Wednesday that a ceasefire deal in Gaza and is set to take effect on Sunday.
The phased agreement will allow for the release of captives held by Hamas since their surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, including both living and deceased captives, in exchange for numerous Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons.
Both Israelis and Palestinians have received the news with intense joy, celebrating this long-awaited moment in streets with tears of joy.
People in many Arab countries have also celebrated this feat, filling streets and public squares with joyful chants.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Turkish foreign ministry emphasized the necessity of fully implementing the agreement, ensuring the permanence of the ceasefire, and urgently delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.
“The international community must ensure that Israel fulfills its responsibilities regarding these issues,” the ministry stated.
Additionally, Türkiye called for the immediate initiation of peace negotiations to establish an independent, sovereign, and contiguous Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
“Lasting peace and stability in the Middle East can only be achieved by bringing peace to Palestine and ending the injustice suffered by the Palestinian people,” Türkiye added.
WHAT WE KNOW
The Israeli cabinet is scheduled to vote on the deal on Thursday for official approval.
In an address to the nation, Israeli President Isaac Herzog acknowledged that the ceasefire deal would bring "harrowing moments" and "significant challenges," but urged the cabinet to approve it.
Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani stated in a press conference yesterday that Hamas is expected to release 33 captives in the first phase of the deal, which spans 42 days, alongside the withdrawal of Israeli forces toward the East.
A joint statement from the mediators noted that the first phase includes a ceasefire, withdrawal and redeployment of Israeli forces from densely populated areas, an exchange of prisoners and detainees, and the return of the remains of the deceased.
During this phase, internally displaced Palestinians will be allowed to return to their homes in Gaza, and arrangements will be made for the sick and wounded to receive treatment, according to the statement.
The first phase also aims to intensify the safe and effective entry and distribution of humanitarian aid on a large scale in the Gaza Strip, rehabilitate hospitals, health centers, and bakeries, and provide civil defense supplies and fuel, as well as shelter for those displaced by the war.
Despite the ceasefire news, Israeli bombardment has continued, contributing to a harrowing death toll of more than 46,700 and over 110,200 injuries. The war has also displaced most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.
Egypt, Qatar, and the US previously brokered a brief ceasefire amid the fierce fighting in November 2023, resulting in the release of around 100 Israeli captives in exchange for around 240 Palestinian prisoners.
Reports indicate that 94 captives are still held in Gaza, with nearly a third presumed dead.
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