The ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas formally came into effect at 11:15 a.m. on the 19th (local time) after extensive negotiations. Local media such as Ynet reported that the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, stating that Hamas handed over the list of hostages it plans to release. Originally scheduled to take effect at 8:30 a.m. on the same day, the ceasefire was postponed because Hamas failed to deliver the list of the first three hostages to be released to Israel on time. In the meantime, Israel conducted airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, resulting in at least 8 deaths and 25 injuries. Subsequently, Hamas provided the names of three women taken hostage during the surprise attack on October 7, 2023, leading Israel to officially enact the ceasefire agreement.
The ceasefire agreement consists of three phases. In the first phase, a six-week halt to hostilities and an exchange of Israeli hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel is planned. The released Israeli hostages will include 33 women and children, although not all hostages held by Hamas. During the October 7, 2023 surprise attack, Hamas took 251 Israelis hostage; it is estimated that about 60 are currently surviving due to some being released, rescued, or deceased. The Israeli Ministry of Justice also approved the release of 737 Palestinian prisoners in preparation for the implementation.
In the second phase of the ceasefire, it is fundamentally expected that Hamas will return all hostages regardless of their condition, and Israel will completely withdraw from the Gaza Strip. The third phase aims to achieve a permanent ceasefire and begin reconstructing Gaza. However, uncertainties remain. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir expressed opposition to the ceasefire and announced his resignation on the 18th. If right-wing parties declare intent to withdraw from the coalition, the cabinet could collapse. Under such political instability, Prime Minister Netanyahu, currently facing a corruption trial, may find his political career jeopardized. The specifics of the second and third phase ceasefires have not yet been finalized and will be determined through future negotiations. Netanyahu has stated that both U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and President Joe Biden have indicated that Israel can resume hostilities if the second phase negotiations do not yield desired results.
Public sentiment in Israel is divided. While pro-ceasefire rallies have been organized by hostage families, opponents have blocked highways, throwing stones and clashing with police.