Israel and Hamas Agree to Ceasefire After 15 Months of War, Here is the History of the Conflict in Palestine

Kapanlagi.com - After 15 months of turmoil and bloodshed that claimed tens of thousands of lives in Gaza and Israel, a glimmer of hope has finally emerged. On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, both parties agreed to end the conflict through a long-awaited ceasefire. This news was met with cheers across the region, marking the end of a devastating war and providing a ray of hope for a better peace.

U.S. President Joe Biden confirmed that this agreement not only includes the release of hostages but also the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the massive delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The first phase of this ceasefire will last for 42 days, with the main focus on improving the dire humanitarian conditions.

Worldwide, leaders welcomed this breakthrough and urged that the agreement be implemented with full commitment. Great hopes are now placed on joint efforts to rebuild Gaza and create stability in the Middle East region. Let’s take a closer look at the complete information, summarized by Kapanlagi.com on Thursday (16/1).

1. Chronology of the Israel-Hamas Conflict

The prolonged tensions between Israel and Hamas reached a peak in October 2023, when Hamas launched a massive attack on Israeli territory, triggering a devastating military response from Israel in the Gaza Strip. As a result, infrastructure was utterly destroyed and the humanitarian crisis worsened, claiming the lives of more than 46,000 in Gaza and 1,200 Israeli citizens during this 15-month conflict filled with grief.

The long history of the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, which includes issues of occupation, refugee rights, and the status of Jerusalem, continues to smolder amid international criticism of Israeli military operations, while Hamas is accused of employing strategies that endanger civilian lives.

However, by the end of 2024, hope began to emerge as international mediation efforts, with Qatar and Egypt at the forefront, started to bear fruit. Intense negotiations ultimately led to a ceasefire agreement announced in January 2025, marking a first step towards the release of hostages and the improvement of humanitarian conditions in Gaza.

"The Palestinian people have endured extraordinary suffering, too many innocent lives lost, too many communities shattered. With this agreement, the people of Gaza can finally recover and rebuild," stated U.S. President Joe Biden in his remarks that sparked new hope.

2. First Phase of the Ceasefire

This long-awaited first phase of the ceasefire will last for 42 days, marking a total halt to military operations and the release of 33 Israeli hostages by Hamas. In return, Israel will release a number of Palestinian prisoners who have been incarcerated due to the prolonged conflict.

During this historic moment, large-scale humanitarian aid will begin to flow into Gaza, bringing new hope in the form of food supplies, water, fuel, and medicine.

Hospitals devastated by the war will be repaired, and thousands of Gaza residents will be allowed to return to the embrace of their homes. This step is expected to alleviate the increasingly urgent humanitarian crisis.

International organizations, including the UN, will oversee the implementation of this agreement, ensuring that aid can flow without obstruction and the urgent needs of Gaza residents are met.

3. Origins of the Israel-Palestine Conflict

The history of the Israel-Palestine conflict began with the British occupation of Palestine in the early 20th century, where the Balfour Declaration of 1917 became a turning point with its support for the establishment of a Jewish state in the same land.

The massive migration of Jewish people to the region created escalating tensions, especially after the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948.

The rejection of Israel's existence by Arab countries triggered a series of wars, including the Six-Day War in 1967, which resulted in Israel's occupation of the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem—territories that have now become the center of a prolonged conflict.

Amidst this tension, the Hamas movement emerged in 1987 as a symbol of resistance against the occupation. Despite various peace efforts, such as the Oslo Accords in 1993, the situation remains complicated with the Gaza blockade and recurring military operations, adding to the suffering in this long-troubled region.

4. International Support for Peace

This ceasefire agreement has been warmly welcomed by world leaders, creating new hope amidst prolonged tensions. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi urged all parties to expedite the delivery of humanitarian aid, while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for this moment to be seized to achieve lasting peace.

On the other hand, US President Joe Biden emphasized the urgency of stopping the violence and giving the people of Gaza the opportunity to rebuild their lives. The European Union is also ready to provide support for the reconstruction of Gaza and promote a two-state solution.

Meanwhile, Arab countries like Qatar and Turkey stressed that ending the Israeli occupation is key to creating stability in the region. This ceasefire is seen as a promising first step towards a more comprehensive resolution of the conflict.

5. Gaza Reconstruction Plan

In a bold step towards recovery, the final phase of this agreement will focus on the reconstruction of Gaza, with an emphasis on rebuilding vital infrastructure such as homes, schools, and health facilities.

With coordinated international aid support, it is hoped that the people of Gaza can return to a normal life after enduring prolonged warfare. Additionally, long-term programs aimed at strengthening the local economy and creating jobs are also highlighted, aiming to reduce dependence on external aid.

All these efforts are expected to transform Gaza from a conflict zone into a stable and productive region. The UN and various humanitarian organizations are also calling for increased funding to support this initiative, while ongoing negotiations will be conducted to ensure the sustainability of peace in this hopeful region.

6. What is the content of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement?

In a hopeful step, this new agreement includes a ceasefire expected to ease tensions, the heartfelt release of hostages, a troop withdrawal that brings hope for peace, and the much-needed humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza.

7. Why does the Israel-Palestine conflict continue?

This conflict arises from deep-rooted issues, namely prolonged occupation, competing claims over disputed territories, and historical tensions that still leave old wounds.

8. What is the impact of the 15-month war in Gaza?

The prolonged conflict has claimed thousands of lives, destroyed vital infrastructure, and created a concerning humanitarian crisis, leaving a profound mark of grief and suffering among communities forced to struggle for survival.

9. What are the reconstruction plans for Gaza?

This reconstruction includes rebuilding the destroyed infrastructure, delivering necessary aid, and efforts to lift the local economy to rise again with renewed spirit.

(kpl/rmt)