**Gaza Ceasefire: A Significant Achievement**
A ceasefire has been agreed upon in Gaza, a significant achievement after months of delay. Since May last year, different versions of the agreement have been on the table. Hamas blamed Israel for the delays.
**The Cost of War**
Gaza is in ruins due to Israel’s response to Hamas attacks in October 2023, which killed around 1,200 people, mostly Israeli civilians. The war has displaced a large part of Gaza’s population of over two million. According to Hamas’ health ministry, nearly 50,000 people were killed – both combatants and civilians.
**Challenges Ahead**
The first challenge is to ensure that the ceasefire remains in place. Senior Western diplomats are concerned that the war may resume after the initial 42-day phase. The Gaza war has had a huge impact on the Middle East, leading to geostrategic turmoil.
Hamas can still fight, but it’s a shadow of its former self. The International Criminal Court has accused Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defence Minister of war crimes. The International Court of Justice has opened an investigation into a case in which South Africa accused Israel of genocide.
**Regional Impact**
Hezbollah intervened in the war, leading to Israel’s victory, which was a major factor in the fall of the Assad government in Syria. Iran and Israel exchanged direct attacks, weakening Iran. Tehran’s network of allies, proxies, and other groups have been crippled.
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