Gaza wakes to bombing echoes despite ceasefire deal’ while the world is betting on “today’s opportunity”
GAZA, Oct. 09 (YPA) – The world is watching with anticipation and caution as a ceasefire and prospective hostage exchange agreement between the Israeli occupation and Hamas, brokered by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, is set to be implemented in the Gaza Strip.
Despite widespread international satisfaction and local celebrations, the Civil Defense in Gaza confirmed that Israeli occupation strikes hit several areas early Thursday, hours after the deal was announced, casting a shadow of concern over its effective enforcement.
Post-Announcement Bombing
Amidst the celebratory atmosphere, Civil Defense official Mohammad al-Mughayyer reported a “series of intense raids” targeting Gaza City, alongside artillery shelling and air raids that struck central Khan Younis in southern the Strip.
Al-Mughayyer noted these explosions occurred after the announcement of the ceasefire proposal formula, adding that Israeli aircraft flew at low altitudes over displacement tents.
In contrast, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that the agreement would not take effect until ratified by the government in a meeting expected to be held this evening, thus refuting earlier media reports of immediate implementation.
Hamas Hopes and Israeli Occupation Reservations
A Hamas source informed Agence France-Presse that the “zero hour for the start of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement will be announced today,” which will include the process of collecting and handing over living hostages. The plan involves the release of twenty Israeli hostages in exchange for the freedom of over 2,000 Palestinian detainees, including 250 serving life sentences, in addition to “time-scheduled withdrawals” by the Israeli occupation army.
On the Israeli side, far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich voiced strong opposition, stating he would not vote for the deal due to fears of the consequences of “emptying the prisons and releasing a new generation of terror leaders.”
Nonetheless, the opposition vowed to provide Netanyahu with a “political safety net” to ensure the deal passes if necessary.
Cries of Joy and Appeals for Aid
In Gaza, overwhelming celebrations erupted with young men cheering in the destroyed streets and families shouting “Allahu Akbar” (God is Greatest), expressing hope that the agreement would end the war and allow them to return home.
Similarly, an atmosphere of joy and relief prevailed in the Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, where families embraced and exchanged congratulations.
In the context of the severe humanitarian crisis, UNRWA welcomed the agreement, confirming it has food aid and medicine sufficient to feed all residents for the next three months.
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), however, warned that the aid plan would fail unless all relief organizations can resume operations and border crossings are reopened, stressing that “the misery and suffering inside Gaza is beyond imagination.”
A Wager on Peace
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi described the deal as a “historic moment” that opens a “door of hope” for the peoples of the region. Welcomes poured in from Gulf countries, with the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jassem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, asserting that the step represents “a new hope for alleviating humanitarian suffering,” calling for it to be the start of a clear political path toward a two-state solution and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Internationally, Europe welcomed the agreement. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote, “The opportunity of the day must be seized,” describing the deal as a chance to map out a credible political path towards lasting peace. French President Emmanuel Macron and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also welcomed the agreement, emphasizing the necessity of full adherence to its terms and continued efforts for a comprehensive political solution.
All eyes remain fixed on the implementation of the agreement, the removal of bureaucratic and political hurdles, and the international guarantees for its full enforcement, to ensure this “new hope” transforms into a reality that finally turns the page on the war in the Strip.
YPA