The second ceasefire in 15 months of the deadliest and most destructive war between Israel and Hamas, who control Gaza, has been issued. The first occurred more than a year ago and only lasted a week. The current ceasefire is expected to last longer, and it holds the potential to end the war, although ending the war is more complicated than simply issuing a ceasefire. Qatar, Egypt, and the United States are all playing a huge role in being the mediators. 

The deal will be carried out in three stages: Stage One will last 42 days, during which a full ceasefire will be in effect. Israel and Hamas are scheduled to release hostages. Israeli forces will put a stop to the fight and step away from civilian areas, and displaced Palestinians can return to their neighborhoods. Aid trucks are supposed to enter Gaza and Israeli troops will stay in the southern border areas, but they will leave the Netzarim Corridor. Stage Two is scheduled to begin 42 days after Stage One, their focus is going to be on negotiating a permanent ceasefire, exchanging remaining hostages for more Palestinian prisoners. Stage Three should see the return of all hostages’ bodies and the long-term reconstruction of Gaza which is expected to take years.

This week, quite a few hostages were released. Fighting has been stopped, and trucks of aid have entered Gaza. Additionally, the process of aid and recovery has been seen and immediate relief has been provided to those who were suffering from the conflict. Essentials have begun to be circulated in Gaza like food, medical supplies, water, and other needs. This provides support to people of the local community by taking care of their basic needs, especially people who were injured or faced trauma and loss of livelihood due to the ongoing conflict. 

By the end of this process, all living women, children, and older people held by the militants should be freed, and the bodies of hostages might be included in the releases too. Palestinian residents had mixed reactions. Some told The New York Times that it was “a little bit of relief” while many feared it would not end the war. In Hinsdale South, most people are aware of the ceasefire.

Senior Avneet Kular stated “I just could never imagine the pain these families are going through right now. They deserve peace and justice.”

Junior Anders Irwin said “I am aware of the atrocities that Israel has been committing and the extreme loss of lives that those in Palestine have been a part of. I believe that this temporary ceasefire is good but I believe that Israel will be more quiet and still commit horrendous crimes silently while America funds the genocide of an innocent people.”