Israeli-Hamas war ends with a ceasefire deal

In a deal mediated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar, Hamas and Israel have reached an agreement ending 15 months of bloodshed and human devastation.

The conflict stemmed from Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel in October 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to the BBC.

The New York Times reports that on Wednesday, Jan. 15, Israel and Hamas agreed to a pause in the war. This break ushers in a three-phase ceasefire deal.

The first phase, according to the Associated Press, involves a series of hostage releases over a period of 42 days, with Israeli forces moving to the edge of the Gaza Strip, and allowing for displaced Palestinians and aid to enter into the territory.

Fox News reports that negotiation for the second phase will begin on the 16th day of the first phase, with the goal being the exchange of all remaining hostages and a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip.

The third and final phase, according to the Associated Press, will include the return of deceased Israeli hostages in exchange for the bodies of Palestinian fighters. The Gaza border will be reopened and a plan will be created for the reconstruction of Gazan infrastructure.

The rebuilding of the Gaza Strip will be a long road. The BBC reports that over 46,000 Palestinians have been killed, and according to a report by the UN, 69% of all structures in the territory had been destroyed or damaged at the start of December. The UN also estimated that it could cost $40 billion to rebuild the strip.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has angered many students across college campuses, including at SEMO. The Cape Girardeau Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) held a protest on May 3 and Oct. 4, 2024, to bring awareness to the war. Now that a ceasefire has been agreed to, the organization still feels that there is more work to do.

SDS President and Junior Social Studies Education Major Catelyn Roberts talked about the desperation that Gazans are experiencing.

“There are still thousands upon thousands of Palestinians who need aid in this time who are still being deprived of medical resources, and they do not have access to proper food,” Roberts said.

While the cease fire is a start, Roberts states that it is not enough and more should be done on both sides.

“I do not believe that a ceasefire is enough,” Roberts said. “The ceasefire is an absolute bare minimum and it is not holding any side accountable. It is just both sides agreeing to stop killing each other for the time being. I believe that both Israel and Hamas should be under complete investigation. They should be subject to having accountability for what has been going on over there.”

The ceasefire is set to take effect on Sunday, Jan. 19. An uncertain hope has emerged in the Middle East, with the chance of peace bringing light to a wartorn region. `