People check the rubble of buildings hit by Israeli strikes the previous night in Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip, Jan. 16, 2025, following the announcement of a truce between Israel and Hamas. (Credit: Omar al-Qattaa/AFP)
After 15 months of war, the cease-fire is an immense relief for the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip. The agreement between Israel and Hamas should provide some respite to a population that has suffered for over a year. But how long will it last? The devil is in the details, and especially in the unspoken aspects. Divided into three stages, the 'deal' initially proposes the release of 33 women, children, and sick or elderly individuals over 50 years among the hostages in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. This period is supposed to last 42 days. On the 16th day, negotiations for the second stage should begin, leading to the release of the remaining hostages and the Israeli withdrawal to a sort of buffer zone between the Gaza Strip and Israel. Finally, a last step aims to ensure the release of deceased hostages still in Gaza...
After 15 months of war, the cease-fire is an immense relief for the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip. The agreement between Israel and Hamas should provide some respite to a population that has suffered for over a year. But how long will it last? The devil is in the details, and especially in the unspoken aspects. Divided into three stages, the 'deal' initially proposes the release of 33 women, children, and sick or elderly individuals over 50 years among the hostages in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. This period is supposed to last 42 days. On the 16th day, negotiations for the second stage should begin, leading to the release of the remaining hostages and the Israeli withdrawal to a sort of buffer zone between the Gaza Strip and Israel. Finally, a last step aims to ensure the release of deceased hostages still in...