A Long Road to Peace: Key Moments in the Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Journey
After 15 months of devastating conflict, the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal offers a glimmer of hope for peace in Gaza.
A ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas officially took effect on January 19, 2025, providing a temporary respite for over 2 million Palestinians living in Gaza after 15 months of intense warfare. The agreement marks the first phase of a ceasefire process that will include Israeli withdrawals, the exchange of prisoners, and increased humanitarian access.
While this ceasefire offers hope for a resolution to the devastating conflict, the path to peace has been long and filled with setbacks. Here’s a timeline of key events leading to the ceasefire agreement.
November 2023 – The First Truce
After over six weeks of brutal fighting, which left thousands dead and much of Gaza in ruins, Israel and Hamas agreed to a temporary four-day ceasefire on November 21, 2023. This truce allowed the release of 110 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 110 Israeli captives, as part of a deal mediated by Qatar. Initially extended to seven days, the truce was ultimately broken by Israel’s resumption of air and ground strikes on December 1, 2023.
International Protests and Growing Pressure
As the war continued, global protests erupted, particularly in universities across the United States. Meanwhile, several European countries recognized Palestine as a state, and South Africa filed a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Israel, accusing it of genocide. This rising international pressure contributed to ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire.
May 2024 – Negotiations for a Three-Stage Agreement
In May 2024, hopes of peace were reignited as talks progressed. Hamas expressed willingness to accept a three-phase ceasefire, with the first stage involving the release of Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, despite progress, Israel rejected the terms, and an Israeli military invasion of southern Gaza, specifically Rafah, stalled negotiations.
The Lebanese Front and Escalation
In the meantime, Israel found itself also fighting against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. The conflict intensified in September 2024, drawing in further international condemnation. However, a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was declared in late November, marking another step toward broader regional stability.
ICJ Warrants and US Political Pressure
In November 2024, the ICJ issued arrest warrants for Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, over alleged war crimes in Gaza. The same month, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump publicly threatened Israel over the fate of the captives, further complicating the international diplomatic landscape.
A Final Agreement – January 2025
On January 15, 2025, after over 15 months of war that claimed tens of thousands of lives, negotiators finally reached a deal. The Israeli cabinet approved the ceasefire, despite opposition from hardline ministers. The ceasefire, set to begin on January 19, was delayed briefly due to a technical issue in Hamas’s release of the first three Israeli captives. Once the names were confirmed, the ceasefire went into effect at 11:15 am local time (09:15 GMT).
The deal includes a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the release of captives, and a surge in humanitarian aid to the devastated region. It is expected to unfold in three phases, with the first phase lasting 42 days. During this phase, Israel will pull back from Gaza’s populated areas, and Palestinians will be allowed to return home.
As this fragile ceasefire begins, it remains to be seen whether it will hold or if further tensions will threaten the path to peace.