It’s been over a year since the conflict between Israel and Hamas turned Gaza into a battleground, leaving countless families broken and cities in ruins. On January 15, 2025,  a shaky yet momentous deal came to light as a ceasefire was brokered by Qatar and the United States. While far from perfect, it nevertheless gives a glimpse of hope to one of the most blood-soaked regions on Earth.

Phase One: A Fragile Pause in the Chaos

The first phase of the ceasefire, starting on January 19, 2025, is set to last six weeks. At this time, 33 Israeli hostages, taken during the October 7 attack, will be released in exchange for around 1,000 Palestinians imprisoned since then. But the stakes are higher than just the number of captives. It’s about what happens when humanity takes precedence over conflict. Israel will withdraw its forces from Gaza’s urban centres and allow up to 600 trucks of humanitarian aid to enter. It’s a rare but necessary act of compassion.

For the first time in months, displaced civilians, many of whom have been displaced in the northern parts of Gaza, will be able to return home. The sheer weight of what this means is impossible to capture fully in words. It’s the chance to reconnect with lost lives, a home left behind, a fleeting hope that the darkest days may be over, at least for a moment. And yet, the rubble they return to speaks volumes about how far there still is to go.

Read more: Gaza Ceasefire Closer than Ever

Phase Two and Three: Negotiating for a Future

As the ceasefire progresses, the second phase will focus on releasing all remaining captives. This includes male soldiers on both sides and even more prisoners. But it’s phase three that truly has the power to shape Gaza’s future. In exchange for the return of the remaining bodies of the dead, a multi-year reconstruction plan will be set in motion. This would, ideally, be under international supervision; something many hope will prevent the cycle of destruction from repeating. Yet, the complexity lies in the political complexity of rebuilding a shattered Gaza, combined with the question of who gets to govern, looms large.

The Palestinian Authority might play a role in overseeing this, but the idea remains controversial. No one knows yet what the Israeli government will agree to regarding governance and this uncertainty adds an element of distrust that must be worked through.

Challenges on the Horizon: Can the Ceasefire Hold?

With every stage, the world watches, hoping for a stable future for Gaza. There are, however, grave challenges posed to the process. The immediate ceasefire provision has offered a small moment of calm, though working toward establishing a long-term peace is an uphill battle. Rebuilding Gaza is more than just rebuilding the infrastructure; it’s about rebuilding lives. At its core, it means trust between Israelis and Palestinians. Trust that will ensure a future free of war’s horrors.

But can we trust that the ceasefire will hold? The next few weeks will tell us. Every day that passes is a victory, but it’s also a reminder that lasting peace is not a given, especially when the wounds of a war so recent are still raw.

A Personal Reflection: Hope Amid Despair

As a resident of a country somewhat used to conflicts, I cannot help but think of the situation regarding trauma and recovery. The faces of all victims, be that in Gaza or any other part of the world, speak a lone universal language of loss, but with equal fervour of resistance. Beyond statistics, these men and women are individuals, families and communities, each with their dreams of living peacefully.

For Gaza, the cease-fire gives hope, but only if this hope materialises into something real. Peace never just comes with a signature on a piece of paper; it is a long and laborious process. And as the world stands witness, we must remember that this fragile agreement is not an end. In fact, it’s a beginning that demands our collective effort to ensure it doesn’t fade into the shadows.

Let us not forget that this ceasefire, although hopeful, is the very first step on a long road to peace. All of us must continue to work for a brighter and fairer future for the people of Gaza and the world.

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