Following two years of devastating war, Israel and Hamas have finally agreed to a ceasefire and hostage deal – the closest we’ve come yet to ending the Gaza conflict. But do you think the truce will hold?
The long-awaited ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas is as close as we’ve got to ending the two-year-old war in Gaza and we want to know if YOU think the truce will last by taking our poll below.
The Gaza war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a large-scale surprise attack on Israel, killing around 1,200 people – mostly civilians – and taking 251 hostages. Israel retaliated by declaring war on Hamas, launching an extensive military campaign in Gaza aimed at dismantling the group and rescuing the hostages. The conflict quickly escalated into one of the deadliest and most destructive in the region’s history.
Two years later, President Trump – who’s always been keen on being seen as ‘the man who ended the war’ – has put pressure on Israel and Hamas for an agreement, which led to the ceasefire.
Do you think the Israel-Gaza ceasefire will last? Take our poll below, and if you can’t see it, click here
Donald Trump described the development as “a massive, massive moment”. He said: “This means that ALL of the Hostages will be released very soon, and Israel will withdraw their Troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace.”
But the ceasefire doesn’t guarantee that a peace deal for Gaza will be reached, as several vital details still need to be resolved — including Israel’s demand that Hamas disarm, the extent of Israel’s withdrawal, and the future governance of Gaza. The complete details of the deal have not yet been made public, but the outline suggests that the remaining hostages will be released – the 20 thought to be alive possibly as soon as Sunday – and the remains of up to 28 deceased captives will be returned gradually.
Across Gaza and Israel, crowds rejoiced over the significant breakthrough that could finally bring an end to the conflict. What do YOU think? Will the Israel-Gaza ceasefire last? Take our poll above and expand on your feelings in the comments below.