After over 15 months of intense conflict, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire that promises to bring a much-needed respite to the region. The humanitarian crisis has been staggering, with more than 46,000 Palestinian lives lost and over 1,200 Israelis killed, according to health authorities in Gaza and Israel.
Timeline of Key Events
October 2023: Conflict Erupts
October 7, 2023: Hamas launches a large-scale attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the taking of around 250 hostages.
October 8, 2023: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declares a “state of war” and vows to dismantle Hamas, initiating widespread air strikes on Gaza.
October 27, 2023: Israel commences a large-scale ground invasion into Gaza.
November 2023: Temporary Ceasefire
November 24, 2023: A temporary four-day ceasefire brokered by Qatar and other mediators takes effect, briefly pausing hostilities. The ceasefire is extended twice, ultimately lasting until December 1. During this period, more than 100 hostages are freed from Gaza, while Israel releases 240 Palestinian detainees.
December 2, 2023: Israeli air strikes on Gaza resume as the ceasefire ends.
December 2023 – January 2025: Attempts at Negotiation
December 11, 2023: Israel signals willingness to negotiate a humanitarian ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages. Hamas demands a halt to Israeli military operations before further discussions.
March 31, 2024: Ceasefire talks resume in Cairo, with Israeli and Hamas representatives working through mediators.
August 15-16, 2024: A fresh round of ceasefire negotiations is held in Doha with representatives from Israel, Qatar, the United States, and Egypt. Mediators describe the talks as “constructive,” but Hamas criticizes the proposals as favoring Israel and prolonging Palestinian suffering.
November 9, 2024: Qatar suspends mediation efforts, citing a lack of serious intent from both sides. It states that talks will resume when conditions are more favorable.
December 7, 2024: Qatar announces renewed momentum for negotiations, leading to the resumption of mediation efforts.
January 2025: Ceasefire Agreement Reached
January 15, 2025: Israel and Hamas agree to a ceasefire-for-hostages deal set to begin on Sunday. According to the agreement, Hamas will release 33 hostages in the first phase, spanning six weeks, in exchange for the release of Palestinian detainees.
The international community watches cautiously as this new ceasefire begins, hopeful that it will lead to lasting peace and the alleviation of suffering for millions of people affected by the conflict.
Reference(s):
Key events in Israeli-Palestinian conflict and ceasefire negotiation
cgtn.com
