Thu Jan 16 18:16:24 UTC 2025: ## Fragile Truce in Gaza Amid Renewed Israeli Strikes
**Jerusalem, January 17, 2025** – A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, brokered by Qatar and the United States, hangs in the balance after Israel launched fresh air strikes on Gaza. The strikes, which reportedly killed at least 75 and wounded hundreds more, followed accusations by Israel that Hamas reneged on parts of the agreement.
The truce, announced Wednesday, is contingent upon the exchange of Israeli hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners. A permanent end to the war, the deadliest in Gaza’s history, would be negotiated after the exchange. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office claims Hamas is attempting to extract last-minute concessions, delaying a cabinet vote on the deal until Hamas fully accepts its terms. Hamas denies these accusations.
The agreement, slated to officially take effect Sunday, coincides with the eve of US President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. Netanyahu spoke with both outgoing President Joe Biden and Trump, thanking them for their assistance. Biden expressed deep satisfaction with the deal, calling the negotiations among the toughest of his career. Trump hailed the agreement on social media as “EPIC”.
The war, triggered by a deadly Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, has resulted in a devastating toll: over 46,000 deaths in Gaza (mostly civilians, according to UN-verified figures) and over 1,200 deaths in Israel (mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures). 251 Israelis were taken hostage, with 94 still held captive in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military considers dead.
While celebrations erupted in both Israel and Gaza upon the initial announcement of the truce, the renewed strikes have brought renewed anguish. Families in Gaza mourn the loss of loved ones, while Israelis grapple with the emotional weight of both the returning hostages and those lost.
Opposition to the agreement within Netanyahu’s coalition, particularly from far-right ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, may further delay the ratification process.
The initial phase of the truce involves the release of 33 hostages (women, children, the elderly, and the ill) and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas of Gaza to allow displaced Palestinians to return home. Humanitarian aid is expected to surge into Gaza following the ceasefire, with Egypt preparing to reopen the Rafah border crossing. UNRWA also welcomed the deal, urging unhindered access for humanitarian assistance.
First Piper 