By Hafiz Rahat Usama 
The long-awaited US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has officially gone into effect on Thursday, according to Egyptian media reports. The truce, signed in the Egyptian city of Sharm el-Sheikh, was scheduled to begin at 0900 GMT, marking a potential turning point after two years of relentless conflict in Gaza.
However, despite the announcement, uncertainty and skepticism remain as both sides continue to exchange fire, and Israel’s official approval process is still underway.
Israeli Cabinet Yet to Ratify the Agreement
While Egyptian sources confirmed the implementation of the ceasefire, Israeli media reported that the deal would only come into effect after it receives formal ratification by the Israeli government. The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement clarifying that any agreement linked to the release of hostages in Gaza would take effect only after approval by the security cabinet.
“Contrary to Arab media reports, the 72-hour countdown will begin only after the agreement is approved in the cabinet meeting, which is expected in the evening hours,” Netanyahu’s office stated.
Netanyahu is expected to convene a security cabinet meeting on Thursday evening to finalize the agreement. Meanwhile, some members of his government, including MP Bezalel Smotrich, have expressed opposition to the deal, reflecting divisions within Israel’s leadership over the terms of the ceasefire.
Egypt and the US Hail a “Historic Moment”
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi announced that an agreement had been reached to end the war in Gaza, calling it a “historic moment” that symbolizes the victory of peace over conflict. He emphasized that after two years of destruction and suffering, the ceasefire represents hope for stability in the region.
The truce was mediated with strong involvement from the United States, with President Donald Trump confirming that both Hamas and Israel had agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire and hostage exchange plan. Speaking on Fox News’ “Hannity,” Trump stated that hostages held in Gaza would “probably be released on Monday,” signaling progress toward a humanitarian breakthrough.
Bombing Persists Despite Ceasefire Announcement
Despite official claims of a ceasefire, reports from the ground indicate that Israeli bombing of Gaza continued on Thursday morning. Plumes of smoke were seen rising over the enclave, visible from the Israeli city of Sderot, near the border. Residents in Gaza remain cautious, uncertain whether the ceasefire will hold amid continued airstrikes and destruction.
Scenes of Celebration in Gaza and Israel
As news of the agreement spread, celebrations erupted across both Gaza and Israel. In Gaza, where millions have been displaced, residents took to the streets to express relief.
“Thank God for the ceasefire, the end of bloodshed and killing,” said Abdul Majeed Abd Rabbo from Khan Younis in southern Gaza. “All of Gaza, all the Arab people, and the whole world are happy with the end of bloodshed.”
In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, families of Israeli captives gathered in emotional celebration. Einav Zaugauker, the mother of a hostage, expressed overwhelming joy: “I can’t breathe, I can’t explain what I’m feeling. What do I say to him? What do I do? Hug and kiss him. Just tell him that I love him.”
The ceasefire agreement marks the first phase of a broader plan that could eventually end a devastating two-year war that has reshaped the political and humanitarian landscape of the Middle East.