Israeli Army Continues Bombing Campaign Despite Gaza Ceasefire Agreement
Qatar has announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza, starting this Sunday, January 19, 2024. However, reports from Gaza indicate that the Israeli army has continued its bombing campaign in the region despite the ceasefire agreement.
According to The Guardian, the Palestinian Civil Defense, managed by Hamas, has reported that Israeli airstrikes have killed over 20 people since the ceasefire was announced. One of the attacks targeted a residential block in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood of Gaza City, resulting in the deaths of 12 people and injuring 20 others. The Israeli military has not commented on these reports.
Palestinian journalist Anas Al-Sharif described the bombing raids as “terrifying,” noting a dramatic increase in airstrikes in recent hours. The situation on the ground remains tense as civilians bear the brunt of the violence.
Qatar Announces Ceasefire Agreement Between Israel and Hamas
Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, revealed that Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement for a ceasefire and the release of hostages held in Gaza. The hope is that this agreement will pave the way for a permanent end to the ongoing conflict.
While mediators initially claimed that a deal had been reached, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office cautioned that some issues within the framework remain unresolved. Despite this, Netanyahu’s office expressed optimism that these details would be ironed out soon.
During a press conference, the Prime Minister of Qatar stated that the ceasefire would come into effect on Sunday. Both conflicting parties in Gaza have agreed on the terms of prisoner releases and hostage exchanges, with the mediators announcing the ceasefire in the hopes of achieving a lasting peace between the two sides.
Approval Process and Ongoing Challenges
It is worth noting that any agreement reached still needs to be approved by the Israeli Cabinet, although they are likely to endorse it. The situation remains fluid, with potential obstacles that could derail the ceasefire process. The international community is closely monitoring the developments in Gaza to ensure the safety and security of all civilians caught in the crossfire.
