Gaza Ceasefire LIVE: Israel, Hamas Reach Ceasefire Agreement But Strikes In Gaza Yet To Stop

♌"We are relieved to hear that a ceasefire deal has been reached after 15 months of genocidal war in Gaza. The Maldives expresses its profound appreciation to the countries that have facilitated this agreement. We urge the international community to ensure the continuation of the ceasefire, allowing the return home of those displaced, and access to humanitarian assistance. We call on Israel to pay reparations to Palestine. And urge the international community to provide Palestine with the urgent support it needs to rebuild after the devastation caused by the Israeli aggression," the Maldivian president stated on X.

꧟The last ceasefire in Gaza was held in November. From November 24 to December 1, 2023, Israel and Hamas observed their first ceasefire since the start of the war in October 2023.

⭕During this truce, around 110 hostages were released and handed over to Israel. The ceasefire was initially for three days but was later extended to a week as negotiations continued.

❀However, during this ceasefire, several violations were committed from both sides, resulting in the war resuming.

The ceasefire in Gaza will be carried out in three phases. As per a press brief from US President Joe Biden ꧑and Qatari PM Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani - the first phase of the ceasefire will last for six weeks.

꧅During this, Hamas will release Isralei hostages - women, children, elderly and the wounded - in exchange of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Aid will also be sent into Gaza and no military operations will be allowed during the ceasefire period.

𝓡Towards the end of the phase one, the details and negotiations for Phase 2 will be finalised. However, as per Biden, the ceasefire will remain in place even if the negotiation period extends six weeks.

▨The second phase will work towards the permanent end of the war in Gaza with the release of more hostages and a withdrawal of Israeli troops in the region.

💛Phase three, once reached, will include the handover of the mortal remains of Israeli hostages and soldiers and the beginning of the reconstruction of Gaza.

๊Yemeni militant group the Houthis have welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

🐬“This did not dampen resolve, but rather motivated and encouraged us to assume the responsibility of supporting Gaza, which is a religious and humanitarian responsibility for which the entire nation is responsible," said Mohammed Abdul Salam, the spokesperson for the group.

꧂“The Israeli invasion of Gaza left no room for our dear people, who are saturated with the spirit of faith, to participate and support in fulfilling their responsibility towards an oppressed people who are being subjected to genocidal massacres before the eyes and ears of the entire world.”

ꦆShortly after the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was confirmed, reactions from world leaders began to pour in.

😼Taking to X, UK PM Keir Starmer stated that the truce is "long-overdue news that Israeli and Palestinian people have been waiting for". In his statement, the Labour leader called for a surge of aid into the Gaza Strip and West Bank and an ultimate two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.

﷽Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. "It should put an end to the conflict, allow for the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza to be addressed and for the release of all hostages," he said on X.

💫"This agreement is crucial to achieving regional stability. It represents an indispensable step on the path towards a two-state solution and a just peace that respects international law," Sanchez added further.

🥀Amid celebrations in Gaza and across the world for a ceasefire, Israeli attacks have continued in the war-torn strip.

🍬As per reports, immediately after the announcement of a ceasefire, Israeli warplanes continued to strike hospitals, shelters and homes with direct air strikes.

𒁏In Kahn Younis, where Gazans were out celebrating the ceasefire, two people were killed in an Israeli air strike.

🎃In a major breakthrough, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire from Sunday onwards. This ceasefire will be carried out in phases. The first phase will last for six weeks.