Israel's military airstrikes in Gaza resulted in the deaths of at least 70 individuals overnight on Thursday, according to local residents and authorities, occurring just hours after a ceasefire and hostage release agreement was announced to conclude 15 months of conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The ceasefire arrangement, facilitated by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., was revealed on Wednesday and aims to halt the ongoing violence that has escalated tensions in the Middle East, leading to confrontations involving Israel, Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iran.
The plan, set to take effect on Sunday, includes a six-week ceasefire and a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, where a significant number of casualties have been reported.
In return for the release of hostages held by Hamas, Israel would free Palestinian prisoners. However, the deal awaits formal approval from Israel's security cabinet, with a vote scheduled for Thursday, January 16.
Prime Minister ; Benjamin Netanyahu, facing accusations of war crimes from the International Criminal Court, has claimed that Hamas is attempting to alter the terms of the agreement.
A statement from Netanyahu's office indicated that the Israeli cabinet would not meet until confirmation that Hamas has accepted all aspects of the deal. Meanwhile, senior Hamas official Izzat el-Reshiq affirmed the group's commitment to the ceasefire.
Despite celebrations in Gaza and Israel, Israeli military operations continued, with reports from the Palestinian Civil Emergency Service indicating 71 fatalities and over 200 injuries. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani announced that negotiators are actively working with both parties to implement the agreement.
U.S. President Joe Biden stated in Washington that the agreement will put an end to the violence in Gaza, provide essential humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, and facilitate the reunion of hostages with their families after being held for over 15 months.
Donald Trump, who assumed office on Monday, asserted that he was responsible for the significant progress made in Gaza.
Israel achieved substantial victories against Iran and its allies, particularly Hezbollah, as the conflict in Gaza escalated. According to authorities in Gaza, the death toll has surpassed 46,000, and the region's pre-war population of 2.3 million has been largely displaced.