On January 15th, the media announced a highly anticipated ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, set to take effect on Sunday, January 19th, at 8:30 AM local time. Framed as a “peaceful deal,” this ceasefire aims to end 15 months of hostility and fighting in Gaza.
However, uncertainty takes over the implementation of the ceasefire, with many on the ground expressing doubt about whether it will truly bring peace. The agreement comes with promises, but skepticism prevails as bombing and massacres have continued.

At least 122 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes since the announcement, and 270 others have been injured. Many fear that this ceasefire, much like past agreements, will be broken, with Israel failing to uphold its end of the deal.
This concern is not without precedent. In previous conflicts, such as Israel’s war with Lebanon, ceasefires were announced but were not effectively implemented, leading to continued violence and broken promises (in the South of Lebanon). There is growing unease that this will repeat, leaving those in Gaza to expect further attacks.
Three Phases of the Ceasefire
Phase 1: Immediate Actions
Hostage and Prisoner Releases: Hamas will release 33 hostages, including women, children, and civilians over 50, starting with two Americans. Israel will release a larger number of Palestinian prisoners as part of the exchange.
Israeli Withdrawal: Israeli forces will retreat from Gaza’s population centers, pulling back to positions no more than 700 meters from the border.
Humanitarian Aid: Up to 600 aid trucks per day will be allowed into Gaza to address urgent humanitarian needs. Wounded Palestinians will be permitted to leave Gaza for treatment.
Phase 2: Conditional Progress
If Phase 1 is deemed successful, Hamas will release all remaining living hostages, mostly male Israeli soldiers. Israel will begin a “complete withdrawal” from Gaza.
Phase 3: Reconstruction and Recovery
Following the fulfillment of Phase 2 conditions, Hamas will return the bodies of the remaining captives. A three-to-five-year reconstruction plan for Gaza, overseen by international mediators, will commence.
Peace? Pending…
For those on the ground, the promised “peace” remains an illusion. Dima Shurrab, 19, told the BBC in a WhatsApp message, expressing mixed feelings, stating, “We are happy in Gaza, but we are afraid. The fear will disappear when the agreement enters into force.” (BBC)
Similarly, a community member in Rafah (who prefers to stay anonymous), reiterates the urgency of immediate aid: “Peace means nothing when children go to bed hungry, when homes are destroyed, and when safety is a distant memory. What we need is food, water, and shelter, not just talk of reconstruction.”

The ceasefire, set to begin today, offers a glimmer of hope but is met with doubt and pain based on past actions. Will Israel hold up its end of the bargain, or will the bombing and violence continue? For the people of Gaza, this is not just a political question, it is a matter of survival.
In the meantime, immediate humanitarian aid is critical to support those enduring the effects of conflict. Reputable organizations are already on the ground, providing food, medical care, and essential supplies to families in need.
Here’s how you can contribute:
Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF): The PCRF focuses on providing free medical care to children in Gaza and other Palestinian territories.
United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA): UNRWA delivers food, education, and healthcare to Palestinian refugees, including those impacted by the conflict in Gaza.
Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP): MAP supports hospitals, clinics, and emergency response efforts in Gaza.
But donations are not enough. Beyond contributing to relief efforts, here’s what we can do to support long-term change:
Raise Awareness: Share verified information and stories from trusted sources to amplify the voices of those affected.
Volunteer or Fundraise: Organize local fundraisers or events to support humanitarian organizations working in Gaza.
Support Reconstruction Efforts: If peace is secured, encourage investment in long-term rebuilding and recovery projects
Photo Credit:
[1]- Eyad Baba/AFP
[2]-Lindsey Wasson / Associated Press
[3]- Lindsey Wasson / Associated Press
Sources:
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