War is over? Israel and Hamas agree to a ceasefire – 24 January 2025
Israel and Hamas, the terrorist group that runs Gaza, have agreed a six-week ceasefire – a pause in their war.
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Gazans return to their homes
As part of the deal, both sides exchanged prisoners. Hamas released three female hostages who they had held since the war began on 7 October 2023, and Israel let 90 prisoners return to Gaza.
The plan is for a further 30 Israeli hostages and 1,800 prisoners from Gaza to be released over the next six weeks. Israel’s army will begin to withdraw from Gaza, too. The final stage would see the rebuilding of Gaza begin – although this could take years.
People who were forced to flee the fighting in Gaza have begun returning to their homes, but the United Nations says that more than half of all Gaza’s buildings have been damaged or destroyed. This means that many will have to continue sleeping in temporary shelters.
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The three Israeli hostages released by Hamas are Romi Gonen, aged 24, Emily Damari, aged 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, aged 31. The country was glued to the news as the three returned to Israel by helicopter and were reunited with loved ones.
Is the war actually over?
The war broke out 15 months ago, when armed fighters from Hamas invaded Israel, killed around 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Israel responded by attacking Gaza with rockets in the air and soldiers on the ground. It’s thought that 46,700 people in Gaza have been killed.
Charities are hopeful that they can start to get more aid and supplies of medicine into Gaza during the ceasefire.
Israel’s aim in the war was to destroy Hamas – but it hasn’t done so yet. Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, said that he’s “reserving the right” to resume fighting if needed, and that he’s got the USA on his side.
It’s hoped that the ceasefire could lead to an end to the war, and to lasting peace. However, it’s important to remember that it’s very complex and could easily collapse – like similar deals have done in the past.
