Ceasefire Reached, But Airstrikes Resume in Gaza Within Hours
By Malak Khaled
In a brief moment of relief, Palestinians in Gaza celebrated the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. However, within hours, their celebrations were overshadowed by the resumption of Israeli airstrikes.
Celebrations in Gaza After Ceasefire Deal Announcement
Upon hearing the news of the ceasefire, Gaza’s streets filled with cheers and dancing. Palestinians waved flags and honked car horns, marking renewed hope for peace.
A viral video showed Al Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif, who has been reporting from the frontlines, taking off his military helmet and vest as a symbol of the relief brought on by the announcement.
The Ceasefire: What It Entails and What Comes Next
The ceasefire, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., is set to take effect on Sunday officially. Both Israel and Hamas have confirmed that a ceasefire agreement has been reached, although Israel has stated that some final details still need to be finalized before the deal is fully concluded.
The agreement includes a six-week ceasefire, with the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the release of hostages, and a prisoner exchange.
Humanitarian assistance is also expected to surge into Gaza, which has been facing severe shortages of basic necessities. Egypt is preparing to send the maximum amount of humanitarian aid possible.
Renewed Israeli Airstrikes
Hours after the ceasefire announcement, Israeli airstrikes resumed. Overnight and into Thursday morning, the death toll in Palestine reached 80.
Anas al-Sharif, who had previously reported on the celebrations, described the night as “terrifying” as the bombing intensified.
The Palestinian news agency Wafa has also reported that Israeli security forces have arrested at least 22 individuals in the Israeli-occupied West Bank since last night.
In the aftermath of the ceasefire announcement, the situation in Gaza remains fragile, with renewed violence casting doubt on the long-term effectiveness of the agreement.
As both sides prepare for the implementation of the ceasefire on Sunday, the international community closely monitors the developments, hoping for a lasting reduction in hostilities.
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