US Confirms Gaza Ceasefire to Begin Sunday Amid Ongoing Tensions and Bombardments

DOHA/CAIRO/JERUSALEM: The highly anticipated ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas is set to take effect on Sunday, despite lingering disputes over final details. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed on Thursday that efforts to resolve last-minute issues were progressing, calling them a "loose end" being addressed by negotiators in Doha. The ceasefire, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, aims to halt the 15-month-long war that has left Gaza devastated and its population in dire straits.

Delays in Israeli Approval

The Israeli cabinet was expected to vote on the ceasefire deal on Thursday, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu postponed the meeting, accusing Hamas of introducing new demands. While Netanyahu's office stated that the Israeli government would not officially ratify the agreement until all elements were accepted by Hamas, the vote is now anticipated on Friday or Saturday.

Despite these delays, US officials expressed confidence in the deal's implementation. "I think we're going to be okay," a senior US official said, adding that the main point of contention involved the identities of some Palestinian prisoners Hamas wanted released in exchange for hostages.

Ceasefire Terms and Hostage Release

The ceasefire plan outlines an initial six-week truce accompanied by a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The deal also includes the release of 33 hostages, including women, children, elderly, and wounded individuals, during the first phase, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Negotiations for the release of remaining hostages will continue during the ceasefire.

For Gaza's battered population, the agreement offers a glimmer of hope. The truce promises a surge in humanitarian aid, with rows of trucks already lining up in the Egyptian town of El-Arish, awaiting entry into the war-torn territory. The aid is expected to address acute shortages of food, medical supplies, and shelter in a region where most of the 2.3 million residents have been displaced.

Intensified Bombardment Sparks Outrage

Despite the announcement of a ceasefire, Israeli airstrikes have intensified, with Gaza's Health Ministry reporting at least 86 fatalities in the hours following the deal's revelation. The heightened bombardment has overshadowed celebrations in Gaza, where residents, desperate for peace, have expressed both relief and sorrow.

In Gaza City, a grieving uncle stood over the body of his young niece, killed by shrapnel while playing in a schoolyard. "Is this the truce they are talking about? What did she do to deserve this?" he asked, encapsulating the anguish of countless families caught in the crossfire.

Protests in Israel and Political Divisions

In Israel, reactions to the ceasefire have been mixed. Some citizens protested in Jerusalem, carrying mock coffins and blocking roads, while others urged the government to prioritize the return of hostages. Opposition leader Yair Lapid offered his party’s support to Netanyahu to ensure the agreement's approval, highlighting the national urgency of the hostage issue.

Broader Implications for the Middle East

The ceasefire could pave the way for broader regional stability, with potential benefits including the reopening of global trade routes disrupted by Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. However, peace remains fragile, with Hamas warning it will monitor the agreement closely and retaliate if Israel violates its terms.

Meanwhile, the ceasefire leaves many questions unanswered. The fate of the remaining hostages, the governance of post-war Gaza, and the long-term resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remain contentious issues. The US has advocated for a reformed Palestinian Authority to oversee Gaza's reconstruction, but this hinges on significant progress toward establishing a Palestinian state—something Israeli leadership has shown little inclination to pursue.

Global Reactions and Calls for Justice

International organizations, including the UN and the International Criminal Court, have raised concerns about the humanitarian toll of the conflict. Gaza authorities report over 46,000 fatalities, with the majority being women and children. Israel, however, claims it has eliminated over 17,000 Hamas fighters, a figure that remains unverified.

As Gaza prepares for the ceasefire, its residents are cautiously optimistic. "We lose homes every hour. We demand for this joy not to go away," said Mahmoud Abu Wardeh, a Gaza resident. "Don’t waste it by delaying the implementation of the truce until Sunday."