After 15 months of intense conflict in Gaza, Israel and Hamas have reportedly reached a ceasefire deal, according to sources speaking with the BBC. The agreement, brokered in part by Qatar, comes after months of negotiations to bring an end to the violence that has plagued the region.
The war in Gaza was triggered by a brutal attack by Hamas on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the kidnapping of 251 individuals taken back to Gaza as hostages. In response, Israel launched a massive offensive on Gaza, leading to the deaths of over 46,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Despite the devastating toll of the conflict, there is a glimmer of hope as Israel and Hamas work towards securing the release of the remaining 94 hostages held by Hamas. Tragically, 34 of these individuals are believed to have lost their lives while in captivity.
This ceasefire deal offers a much-needed respite from the violence and bloodshed that has characterized the situation in Gaza. As the region strives to rebuild and move forward, the possibility of peace provides a ray of hope for all those affected by the conflict.
For more news and updates on this developing story, visit BBC News.
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