After more than a year since the start of yet another Israeli-Palestinian conflict over the Gaza Strip, international diplomats have managed to reach the terms of an agreement that finally provides for a ‘Ceasefire in Gaza’.
A 3-stage ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel has been confirmed: starting on Sunday 19 January and lasting for the next 6 weeks, a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the partial release of hostages and prisoners, and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops are envisaged. The agreement was found in Qatar and brokered by the US. The agreement sparked great celebrations in Palestine, where the exhausted local population poured into the streets in excitement.
What is not yet certain is the fate of the Gaza Strip after the withdrawal of Israeli troops: the reconstruction plan for the territory will be overseen by the international community but has not yet been detailed and the process will need time and most probably a joint effort by the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) and the civilian population.