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Agreement on Ceasefire in Gaza Amidst Escalating Israeli Bombing and Humanitarian Crisis
Despite the ongoing Israeli bombardment that Gaza has experienced since Saturday morning, signs of an agreement for a ceasefire are emerging before the truce is set to take effect.
Informed media sources reported that an agreement has been reached for a field quieting beginning this afternoon, aimed at allowing preparations for the release of Israeli prisoners. In turn, the Israeli army announced it is preparing to accept a ceasefire.
Earlier today, the pace of Israeli airstrikes intensified, targeting various areas across the Gaza Strip. Israeli warships also opened fire towards the shores of Gaza City and the Al-Nusairat camp in the center, in addition to regions in the northern part of the Strip. Sources reported that Israeli tanks remain positioned in residential areas in northern Gaza.
Inside Israel, explosions were heard in the sky above Jerusalem after warning sirens sounded in the city, with the Israeli army announcing a projectile was fired from Yemen.
The anticipated agreement is expected to include the release of 33 Israeli detainees in the first phase, which will last for 42 days, in exchange for Israel freeing 737 Palestinian prisoners from its jails, most of whom are women and children.
It is noteworthy that since the announcement of the agreement between Israel and Hamas last Wednesday evening, airstrikes on Gaza have not ceased, with many buildings, especially in the northern part of the Strip, reduced to piles of rubble. Civil defense confirmed that the number of fatalities due to Israeli bombing has exceeded 100 people as of Friday.
Over months of bitter conflict, more than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed, the majority of whom are women and children, in addition to nearly two million Palestinians being displaced multiple times over the past 15 months. This crisis is compounded by a shortage of medical and food aid due to restrictions imposed by Israel, leading to worsening humanitarian conditions and the spread of hunger, disease, and a lack of healthcare.
