A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas officially took effect in the Gaza Strip at 12:00 PM local time today, marking a significant step toward ending over two years of intense conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives and devastated the region.

The agreement, announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, includes the immediate release of all 20 living Israeli captives held by Hamas, the withdrawal of Israeli troops to a defined line, and the release of up to 1,700 Palestinian prisoners within 72 hours.

Celebrations erupted in both Gaza and Israel following the announcement, as families of hostages and Palestinians expressed cautious optimism.

The ceasefire is the first phase of a three-stage plan aimed at achieving a permanent resolution to the conflict. The second phase involves further prisoner exchanges and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, while the third phase focuses on reconstruction and the establishment of a sustainable peace framework.

International mediators, including Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye, have been instrumental in facilitating the negotiations. The United States has pledged support for Gaza's reconstruction efforts, although specifics regarding the post-war administration remain to be determined.

As the ceasefire holds, the international community watches closely, hopeful that this agreement will pave the way for a lasting peace in the region. (ILKHA)