Despite a recently announced ceasefire agreement, Israeli military operations in Gaza have continued, raising concerns about the viability of the truce. The agreement, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, is set to take effect on Sunday, January 19. However, within hours of its announcement on Wednesday, Israeli airstrikes and ground assaults escalated, resulting in further casualties.
According to Palestinian health authorities, at least 73 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire was declared, including 20 children and 25 women. The most intense bombings have occurred in Redwan and Khan Younis, where entire families have reportedly been wiped out. The ongoing conflict, now in its 15th month, has led to the deaths of more than 46,700 Palestinians, with over 110,000 others wounded.
The ceasefire agreement is structured in three phases. In the first phase, Hamas is expected to release 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, and elderly individuals. In exchange, Israel will release Palestinian detainees and gradually reduce its military presence in heavily populated areas of Gaza. Additionally, the agreement will facilitate increased humanitarian aid, allowing hundreds of relief trucks to enter the besieged enclave daily. The second phase will focus on negotiations for the release of the remaining hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, while the third and final phase will address Gaza’s reconstruction and the return of any remaining captives, whether alive or deceased.
Despite the agreement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has accused Hamas of making last-minute demands that could delay the truce’s implementation. However, Hamas has denied these allegations, insisting that it remains committed to the agreed terms. The continuation of Israeli airstrikes has cast uncertainty over whether the ceasefire will proceed as planned.
The situation remains volatile, with international pressure mounting for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Meanwhile, in Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes have reportedly killed nine people, further escalating regional tensions. As diplomatic efforts persist, civilians in Gaza continue to endure severe hardships, with widespread fears that even a temporary ceasefire may not bring lasting relief.