🌍 International Affairs | Gaza Conflict: Ceasefire Proposal Gains Momentum

🕊️ Ceasefire Nears as Hamas Agrees to Draft Plan Amid Mounting Casualties

On January 14, 2025, Hamas signalled agreement to a three-phase draft ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, kindling hopes of relief after over 15 months of violence. The plan still awaits Israeli Cabinet approval, where internal political divides may stall consensus.

📌 Background: Gaza Conflict Timeline

• 🗓️ October 2023: Hamas launched an attack on Israel.
• 🇮🇱 Israel responded with large-scale military operations in Gaza.
• 💔 Casualties in Gaza have surpassed 64,000, triggering a severe humanitarian crisis.

📃 Ceasefire Plan Highlights (Based on Biden’s June 2024 Framework)

🕊️ Phase 1 (6 weeks):

• Full ceasefire
• Israeli troop withdrawal from populated areas
• Release of 33 Israeli hostages
• Reciprocal release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners
• Daily entry of 600 aid trucks into Gaza

🧩 Phase 2 (Still under negotiation):

• Release of remaining hostages, including Israeli soldiers
• Further prisoner exchange
• Disagreements over the depth of Israeli withdrawal remain

🔧 Phase 3:

• Long-term reconstruction of Gaza
• Return of the remains of deceased hostages

🧭 Humanitarian Priorities

• Aid corridors are central to civilian return and rehabilitation
• Ceasefire aims to stem the collapse of healthcare, housing, and basic infrastructure

⚠️ Political Hurdles in Israel

• 🔺 Far-right ministers like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich oppose the deal
• Netanyahu’s war cabinet includes members divided on engagement with Hamas
• Concerns over the lack of written guarantees fuel mistrust on both sides

📖 Key Terms

• Hamas: Palestinian militant group, designated a terrorist organization by the U.S., EU, Canada, and others.
• The Lancet: Medical journal that recently reported on health impacts in Gaza.
• Biden’s Framework: Three-phase plan for peace introduced in June 2024.
• Ben-Gvir & Smotrich: Israeli far-right ministers known for hardline positions on Gaza.

🔮 What Lies Ahead?

• The plan’s final success depends on consensus among all parties.
• A peaceful resolution would mark a turning point in decades of unrest.
• The international community continues to press for a durable and humane solution.