Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Begins: A New Chapter After 15 Months of Conflict
A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas officially commenced on January 19, 2025, following a nearly three-hour delay. The initial phase of the ceasefire is expected to last 42 days, with increased humanitarian aid access for Gaza.
Founder and Director of diethnos. Nikolas is a Political Sciences and International Conflict graduate, now specialising in Cyber & Digital Diplomacy, emerging Hybrid Threats and Data Visualisation.
A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas officially commenced on January 19, 2025, following a nearly three-hour delay. The initial phase of the ceasefire is expected to last 42 days, with increased humanitarian aid access for Gaza.
The ceasefire is part of a broader effort to de-escalate violence after 15 months of conflict that began on October 7, 2023. The ceasefire was facilitated through negotiations involving the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar.
The agreement allows for the phased release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian detainees.
The first phase involves the release of 33 hostages over six weeks in exchange for 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. Initial exchanges start with three female hostages today, followed by further releases weekly.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed the ceasefire's activation after receiving the list of hostages from Hamas.
Situation Report
On January 19, 2025, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas officially took effect, marking a significant milestone after 15 months of intense conflict. The deal, which had been anticipated since mid-January, was designed to halt hostilities and facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian detainees in Israel.
The ceasefire was initially scheduled to commence at 8:30 AM local time but faced delays as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted that Hamas provide a list of hostages before the agreement could be recognized as legitimate. This list was ultimately delivered shortly before the ceasefire took effect at approximately 11:15 AM local time (09:15 GMT), following assurances from mediators regarding its submission.
Under this agreement, Hamas is set to release 33 hostages over a six-week period, which includes women, children, and elderly individuals. The first phase of releases will start with three female hostages today, followed by four on Day 7 and additional releases every week thereafter. In exchange, Israel will release approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners, including many who were not involved in the initial conflict that erupted on October 7, 2023.
The first phase of the ceasefire is anticipated to last for 42 days, during which Israeli forces will withdraw from Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return home and facilitating an increase in humanitarian aid.
This ceasefire represents a critical opportunity for humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza, where conditions have been dire due to ongoing military operations. The agreement aims to provide much-needed assistance to over 2 million Palestinians, many of whom have faced severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies during the prolonged conflict.
The ceasefire follows a tumultuous period marked by significant violence that erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack that resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli fatalities and led to extensive retaliatory strikes by Israel. Since then, over 46,700 Palestinians, primarily civilians, have reportedly lost their lives due to Israeli military operations.
Founder and Director of diethnos. Nikolas is a Political Sciences and International Conflict graduate, now specialising in Cyber & Digital Diplomacy, emerging Hybrid Threats and Data Visualisation.
Founder and Director of diethnos. Nikolas is a Political Sciences and International Conflict graduate, now specialising in Cyber & Digital Diplomacy, emerging Hybrid Threats and Data Visualisation.
Founder and Director of diethnos. Nikolas is a Political Sciences and International Conflict graduate, now specialising in Cyber & Digital Diplomacy, emerging Hybrid Threats and Data Visualisation.
Founder and Director of diethnos. Nikolas is a Political Sciences and International Conflict graduate, now specialising in Cyber & Digital Diplomacy, emerging Hybrid Threats and Data Visualisation.
Founder and Director of diethnos. Nikolas is a Political Sciences and International Conflict graduate, now specialising in Cyber & Digital Diplomacy, emerging Hybrid Threats and Data Visualisation.
Founder and Director of diethnos. Nikolas is a Political Sciences and International Conflict graduate, now specialising in Cyber & Digital Diplomacy, emerging Hybrid Threats and Data Visualisation.
