In the anticipated agreement to settle the armed conflict that began along the Gaza Strip, a deal to ceasefire has been reached between Israel and Hamas forces. This pact halts the barrage of fire between the Middle Eastern adversaries in order to release hostages that have been held captive beginning with the war’s inception on Oct. 7, 2023.
This deal will be conducted in three phases, with the final phase expected to see the last of the deceased Israeli hostages released in return for a new reconstruction plan in Gaza.
The opening phase, which is expected to take roughly six weeks, has begun with the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for approximately 100 Palestinian prisoners. This phase has allowed children and the elderly to be liberated first. The initial phase also involves Americans who are awaiting their return to the United States. President Donald Trump recognized their families at an Inauguration Day event.
Arguments have been made as to which U.S. leader had more influence on the release of hostages beginning this month. Key negotiations between the Israeli government and Hamas signify how this deal came to fruition. These arrangements have been deliberated on the basis of assistance from the United Nations, who worked with former President Biden and the Israeli government to reach this armistice with Hamas. On Jan. 15, Qatar’s prime minister announced that an accord to hold fire and return those in captivity will take effect on Jan. 19, a day shy of Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
Dr. Sam Rohrer, an associate professor of political science, says it’s “unclear” if the presidential election results had a direct impact on the ceasefire.
“The Biden administration spearheaded the recent ceasefire and hostage release deal through months of diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing the parties to an agreement. Meanwhile, the Trump administration, building on its Abraham Accords, has framed its incoming leadership as laying the groundwork for regional diplomacy.” – Sam Rohrer, UNG Political Science Professor
Following the 2024 presidential election, when Donald Trump was elected to another four years as Commander in Chief, he notably proclaimed that “all hell will break out” if a compromise to release Israeli hostages was not reached by the time he returned to office on Jan. 20. This leaves some to conclude that he deserves partial credit for the timetable in which this hiatus was made.
It is unknown if this ongoing deal to ceasefire brings a permanent conclusion to the war. Professor Rohrer believes there’s a “strong chance this ceasefire is temporary.”
“While the ceasefire’s immediate focus has been on freeing hostages,” Rohrer said, “the broader goal of removing Hamas from power remains unfulfilled, leaving the conflict unresolved.”