A ceasefire deal has been agreed

[gloriagloria]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c3rwqpj70ert

I really hope this is the beginning of peace and prosperity for both sides.

Just came here to post the same thing.

Great news!!

Actually, feeling a little tearful, so glad it's over, for now at least, and hoping that people on both sides can rebuild their lives and work towards a future where all can thrive.

Forgive me for not jumping for joy. Only 33 of the hostages are being released in the first phase. My heart goes out to all their families waiting for so long to know if their loved ones are alive or dead and in what state they are in. There is a long way to go (6 weeks apparently) and the war can resume at any time aka as soon as Hamas rockets fly over Israel. For the sake of Israelis and Palestinians I hope the ceasefire does hold 🙏

Thank goodness for that. The same deal that was refused a year ago, and far more bloodshed in the meantime, but better late than never.

@LetThereBeLove I really hope it holds too but the risk of one side breaking it goes both ways.

Unfortunately it’s very far from over. The first phase lasts 6 weeks, with negotiations on phase 2 due to start after 2 weeks and that’s where a lot of the difficulties will lie. The first stage is “easy”

@Igotjelly there is indeed a long way to go, but we have never even got this far before.

This is very true.

Well, yeah, that's why I wrote, "for now at least." It's only the beginning of a new phase, but it does offer some hope.

Is this when we will find out what happened to the bibas family? I am soooooo hopeful for them

I have read it starts on Sunday.

Apparently women and children will be among the first hostages to be released 🤞

It is really good news and I hope it leads to long term peace in the region. I also hope that's there's no more deaths before and after the ceasefire.

Have Israel actually formally agreed?
I thought Net. was pontificating about things still need ironing out ?

It has to be ratified by the Government tonight but all signs are that it will be otherwise there would have been no press releases announcing it.

Israel just bombed a home in Gaza City straight after the ceasefire announcement, the aftermath looks terrible. They also bombed Jenin in the west bank today resulting in many deaths.

The ceasefire begins on Saturday. Have Hamas stopped firing rockets into Israel yet?

All hostages that are women, children and men over 50 will be released in the first 6 weeks according to the details. Israel will release all Palestinian girls under 19 during that time.

This is my fear that it won’t be a ceasefire that is permanent and respected by both sides. It won’t be called War but definitely it won’t be a peaceful area.
my wish is that all innocent civilians are allowed to return home from both sides and that this is the beginning of a 2 state with no more deaths and restrictions

How many Israelis were killed today?

Less but not for lack of trying, proper air defence doesn’t negate a desire to cause harm.

There were none.
Fair point but I'm not aware of any rocket fire today. On the other hand Israel have continued their massacres, even moments after the ceasefire was announced.

I hope this is a proper ceasefire this time.

Sadly I’m not holding my breath
These two sides are like warring dogs

They might be dragged apart, but it only takes one to look at the other in a threatening way and all bets are off.

There has been conflict in this area for decades.

Either side could kick things off again.

It’s like they can’t help themselves.

The innocent citizens are caught in the crossfire.

Horrendous.

@oakleaffy this is true, and the international community and neighbouring countries have a huge responsibility to put their own self-interests aside and help pave the way for a lasting peaceful solution while holding both sides to account.

I don't know how they will be able to recover from the deaths of nearly 5,000 children under 10

I can't even conceive of that pain in a people's