(Reuters): Palestinian leaders and people were alarmed when the Israeli bombing of Gaza increased just hours after a ceasefire and agreement to free the prisoners were announced. The ceasefire, which was mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, aimed to end the 15 months of bloodshed that decimated Gaza and raised Middle East tensions.

The deal called for the exchange of Palestinian inmates in Israeli detention for hostages held by Hamas, the progressive departure of Israeli soldiers, and an initial six-week truce. Israel's government and security cabinet still needed to approve the contract, though, and a decision is anticipated shortly.

Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of Israel, charged that Hamas had broken parts of the deal, postponing the final certification procedure. According to his office, cabinet talks would not start until mediators verified that Hamas had agreed to all conditions. Hamas, meanwhile, reiterated its adherence to the deal.

A number of Netanyahu cabinet members, particularly hardliners, vehemently rejected the agreement. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has threatened to leave the partnership if Hamas is not vanquished before the war against it recommences. Far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also announced that he would step down if the truce was approved.

Despite widespread support for the accord from both Israelis and Palestinians, Israeli airstrikes are said to have killed at least 46 Palestinians overnight. Additionally, militants from Gaza launched a rocket into Israel, although no deaths were reported.

The truce will start on Sunday, according to Qatar's prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. He emphasized how important it is to fulfill the agreement and provide Gaza with much-needed humanitarian relief.

The agreement was hailed by U.S. President Joe Biden, who said it was a critical step in stopping the violence, providing aid, and releasing the captives back to their families. The breakthrough was also attributed to former President Donald Trump, who said he was in charge of advancing the negotiations.

In Israel, where it was controversial to release Palestinian inmates, some of whom had been convicted of murder, the agreement created a stir. Most, however, believed that the accord was essential to guaranteeing the prisoners' release and safeguarding Israel's future.

In celebration of the news, Gazans waved flags, held street parties, and showed their relief. As one displaced mother put it when asked to explain her emotions, "I am crying, but these are tears of joy." Families of Israeli prisoners of war also conveyed their profound relief.

The agreement was hailed by Hamas as a major victory and a watershed moment for Palestinians. If effective, the ceasefire would put an end to the war that has killed more than 46,000 people and forced the majority of Gaza's 2.3 million residents to flee their homes. Addressing more general regional concerns was another goal of the deal.

33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, and senior citizens, will be freed in the first part of the arrangement. Humanitarian aid will significantly rise as the United Nations and Red Cross aim to expand their activities in Gaza.

The truce was welcomed globally and was hailed by leaders and officials from countries like as Egypt, Turkey, Britain, and Germany. The European Union and the United Nations hailed the action as a positive step.

The Israeli army began its offensive in Gaza after a horrific October 2023 Hamas assault that claimed over 1,200 Israeli lives and captured another 250. The enclave experienced severe destruction and humanitarian crises as a result of the escalation.

Negotiations for the second phase of the agreement are expected to begin within 16 days of the first phase's implementation. The goals of this phase are to secure the release of all remaining captives, establish a sustainable ceasefire, and enable the full withdrawal of Israeli soldiers from Gaza.

The deal also calls for the return of bodies and the start of reconstruction in Gaza, which will be supervised by the United Nations, Qatar, and Egypt. If successful, these initiatives will meet urgent needs and create the framework for recovery after the war.

Even with the advancements, there are still many obstacles to overcome, especially in the area of the post-war Gaza government. A crucial question remains unresolved as the agreement has not specified who will take administrative charge of the enclave.

Israel's achievements over Iranian-backed groups like Hamas and Hezbollah were characterized as strategic victories. However, because there isn't a definite alternative leadership, Hamas continues to hold sway in Gaza despite the battle's destruction.

The ceasefire agreement has given both Israel and Gaza some hope. After months of pain and bloodshed, it is a crucial chance for many to start over and regain some kind of normalcy.

The agreement may help reduce tensions in the Middle East, where the war in Gaza has heightened fighting in Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq. It also reduced fears of a larger regional clash between Israel and Iran.

The success of the accord will depend on the international community's participation in Gaza's restoration. The United States and its neighbors must continue to play a key role in resolving humanitarian and political issues.

In the upcoming months, it is anticipated that the two main priorities will be infrastructure reconstruction and prisoner release. Negotiators are hopeful that the momentum will continue, but given the region's complicated dynamics, prudence is required.

For Palestinians and Israelis, the ceasefire is a crucial but fragile step toward peace. Both sides must navigate deep mistrust and opposing goals to achieve lasting stability. Mediators continue to play a vital role in ensuring the agreement’s implementation and addressing unresolved issues.