As the ceasefire takes effect on January 19, residents of both Gaza and Israel express hope, fear, and scepticism
The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, set to begin on 19 January 2025, has sparked a range of emotional responses from people on both sides of the conflict. After 15 months of brutal fighting, which followed Hamas’ deadly attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, the deal offers a potential end to the violence that has devastated both communities.
In Gaza, where over 46,000 Palestinians have lost their lives since the Israeli offensive began, there is cautious optimism mixed with deep apprehension. Many residents are relieved by the prospect of an end to the constant airstrikes and bombardments. Yet, amid this hope, there is also fear. Some Gaza residents worry that the ceasefire could be short-lived, suspecting that it may not hold as political tensions remain high. “We’ve been through so many broken ceasefires before. Why should this time be different?” said a local woman, her voice tinged with scepticism. For families who have lost loved ones, the trauma of the past months leaves little room for trust in lasting peace.
On the other side of the border, in Israel, there is a more mixed reaction. While some Israelis welcome the ceasefire as a long-awaited reprieve, others, especially those who have lost family members in the Hamas attacks, feel deep ambivalence. For many, the release of hostages is a critical aspect of the deal, but there are also concerns about whether Hamas will honour the terms of the agreement. “We can only hope this will give us peace, but the scars of the past months won’t heal overnight,” said one Israeli man, whose brother was killed during the October attack.
The hostage release, which forms part of the ceasefire terms, is a particularly emotional aspect of the deal. In Israel, families whose loved ones were kidnapped by Hamas in the initial attack are holding out hope for their return. However, there is a profound sense of unease about whether Hamas will truly follow through on releasing all hostages as promised. “We need proof before we can believe that the ceasefire will work,” stated a family member of one of the kidnapped hostages, expressing both hope and caution.
International observers have expressed concern about whether the ceasefire will be sustainable in the long term, given the deep-rooted political and ideological divides. With both sides holding steadfast to their positions and the situation on the ground remaining volatile, the coming days and weeks will be critical in determining the ceasefire’s success.
For now, though, both Gazans and Israelis are left waiting, hoping, and grappling with the question of whether this ceasefire will offer a genuine chance for peace or if it will be yet another temporary pause in a never-ending cycle of violence.
