Tel Aviv [Israel]: Reports from Tel Aviv indicate that Israel has accepted a proposal from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, coinciding with the upcoming Ramzan and Passover celebrations, as announced by the Prime Minister’s Office. This decision comes as the first phase of a previously established ceasefire approaches its end.
The temporary ceasefire seeks to alleviate tensions during the religious holidays, although specific implementation details remain undisclosed. As Ramzan begins, many worldwide embrace the month with prayer and fasting, yet in Gaza, a sense of sorrow and apprehension prevails. The remnants of war continue to haunt the region, and despite the ceasefire, there are fears that hostilities could resume at any moment.
Memories of past conflicts weigh heavily on Gaza’s residents. A local recalls observing Ramadan amid the 2014 war, where nighttime airstrikes forced his family to flee. Last year was particularly dire, with families often breaking their fast with meager provisions, sometimes sharing just a single can of hummus or beans among several people in the dark due to a lack of electricity.
Despite the current pause in fighting, the fear of renewed conflict looms large, and many remain anxious about the future. Meanwhile, protests in Tel Aviv on Begin Street have erupted, with thousands demanding the release of remaining captives in Gaza and the completion of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel, marking a significant escalation in conflict. The assault began early with thousands of rockets targeting Israeli cities and included incursions into military bases and civilian areas. This attack resulted in mass violence and led to a declaration of war by Israel against Hamas, resulting in severe airstrikes and a ground invasion of Gaza. On that day, over 1,139 people were killed in Israel, making it one of the deadliest days in the nation’s history, with significant casualties on both sides since then, resulting in a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.