Basic facts
- US President Joe Biden announced Israel-Hamas reached a ceasefire deal
- The first stage is set to begin on Sunday 19 January
- A vote by the Israeli cabinet on the agreement has been delayed
- The office of the Israeli PM accused Hamas of backtracking on the deal. Hamas has denied this
- Hamas attacked southern Israel on 7 October 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 back to Gaza as hostages
- In response, Israel launched a massive offensive on Gaza killing more than 46,000 Palestinians
Trending – Israel and Hamas announce truce
The ongoing truce talks between Israel and Hamas trend globally today. Many of the UK newspapers are leading with the news that the truce is all but finalised – but on websites, there appears to be a delay in the confirmation of an official ceasefire with Israel saying Hamas has ‘reneged’ on ‘parts of the deal.’
The media picks up on reactions from on the ground in both Gaza and those waiting for the hostages to be returned as well as the reactions from world leaders including the US president.
There is also coverage of the ongoing heavy Israeli strikes being aimed at Gaza ahead of the ceasefire deal – which was planned to come into force this Sunday.
What was in the deal?
Whilst we await news of the current status of the signing of the truce, we do have some understanding of what the ceasefire agreement includes.
The ceasefire deal is split into three stages.
First stage
- A six-week “full and complete” ceasefire
- 33 Israeli hostages in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners freed
- Three hostages are to be released straight away with the rest taking place over the six weeks
- Israeli troops will pull out of all populated areas of Gaza
- A surge in humanitarian aid deliveries in Gaza with hundreds of lorries let in each day
Second stage
- “A permanent end to the war” (Biden)
- Remaining living hostages released in return for more Palestinian prisoners
- Israel is believed to have agreed to release 1,000 Palestinian prisoners
- There would also be a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
Third stage
- Reconstruction of Gaza
- Returning the bodies of the hostages
Negotiations for the second and third stages will begin on the 16th day of the ceasefire, a Palestinian official said.
The reaction
The Guardian emphasises the exhaustion and disbelief among Palestinians, suggesting many remain doubtful the war will truly end. The Daily Telegraph focuses on the emotional responses in Israel, an internal opinion piece strikes a cautious tone, calling the ceasefire agreement “fragile” and fraught with potential setbacks.
The i presents a somber perspective, noting that while the immediate violence may be ending, the conflict’s impact will be felt for decades. It discusses the “legacy of hatred” left behind, which could shape future attitudes and tensions in the Middle East. The Times highlights the celebrations occurring in both Gaza and Tel Aviv, describing the announcement as a rare moment of shared hope. However, it notes that the ceasefire agreement, which reportedly faced delays due to disputes over the extent of the Israeli withdrawal, is scheduled to take effect on Sunday. The Financial Times warns that despite the breakthrough key details remain unresolved.
Front pages react
Social media reaction
Ya Rabb ❤️🩹 After 15 months, a ceasefire. Palestinians across the Gaza Strip are celebrating just before the official announcement of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.🇵🇸🤲 #GazaCeasefire #Gaza pic.twitter.com/IdCqJtbw05
— Umar Rao 🇵🇸 (@umar_says_) January 15, 2025
"Thanks God. We are returning to Gaza"
— NTa.نيباس عباس (@MikaelNTA) January 15, 2025
Palestinian women prostrate in gratitude to God after news that a ceasefire agreement in Gaza has been reached.#GazaHolocaust #GazaCeasefire pic.twitter.com/VEqhgRjMhg
With Takbeers, healthcare workers in Gaza celebrate the long-awaited ceasefire deal. pic.twitter.com/69QVTTZYZu
— PALESTINE ONLINE 🇵🇸 (@OnlinePalEng) January 15, 2025