|
Israel and Hamas implemented a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip at 5:00 AM ET on October 10. The ceasefire agreement does not address outstanding issues that were initially included in US President Donald Trump’s plan for peace in the Gaza Strip, such as Hamas’ disarmament, a full Israeli withdrawal, or Gaza’s future governance. The Israeli government approved the ceasefire and hostage release resolution during a cabinet meeting on October 9 after two weeks of negotiations. Trump said that he would not permit Israel to abandon the deal. Axios reported that Trump’s assurances were a “key factor” in convincing Hamas to accept the ceasefire agreement, citing two US officials.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) withdrew to the eastern half of the Gaza Strip before the ceasefire began and has assured Hamas it will not reenter the western areas of the Strip if Hamas meets its ceasefire and hostage release obligations. Israeli forces retain control of approximately 53 percent of the Gaza Strip. The IDF also halted all aerial surveillance over Palestinian-controlled areas of the Gaza Strip. Hamas agreed to release all 20 living Israeli hostages within three days of the ceasefire’s implementation. Hamas will also return the remains of all deceased hostages the group has in its possession in the first three days. The agreement stipulates that 600 truckloads of humanitarian aid will enter the Gaza Strip each day. US, Qatari, Egyptian, and Turkish officials will coordinate the ceasefire implementation between Israel and Hamas. Two hundred US military personnel will be in Israel to assist with the ceasefire implementation, but they will not enter the Gaza Strip.
Hamas’ partners in the Axis of Resistance welcomed the ceasefire but expressed skepticism that Israel would adhere to its terms. Iraqi militia leaders welcomed the ceasefire as a “victory.” Iraqi militias launched a support campaign in November 2023 for Palestinians by attacking Israel and US bases with drones and rockets. The Iranian supreme leader warned on October 10 that Israel is not trustworthy and that there is no guarantee that Israel will not resume the war against Hamas. An Iranian government spokesperson said on October 10 that Iran will support every step toward a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, however. Houthi Supreme Leader Abdulmalik al Houthi threatened on October 9 that the Houthis would continue to provide “backup” for Gazans if Israel does not fulfill its obligations under the ceasefire. The Houthis have launched hundreds of drones and ballistic missiles targeting Israel since October 2023. The Houthis would retain the ability to resume attacks against Israel or international shipping at any time and for any reason in the future, even if they suspended attacks due to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
|
