Gaza Ceasefire Agreement Reportedly Reached
Sara Haghdoosti / Win Without War
(January 15, 2025) — People in Gaza broke into song and dance at the news of a ceasefire. I can only imagine the relief and joy that hostages and their families have at the news that they’ll be able to be reunited soon.
This decision will save lives, it’s as simple as that.
Yet, as the announcement was made, PM Netanyahu began to hem and haw that there were still some details left to finalize tonight, and extremist Israeli ministers have boasted that they’re doing all they can to stop this deal and any progress toward peace.
It just goes to show that this glimmer of hope isn’t the result of the work of the supposed leaders in these negotiations, who have time and again chosen violence over the safety of people in Israel, Gaza and around the world. It comes from the work of peace-seeking Palestinians and Israelis, hostage families, aid workers, protesters in the streets — and you.
This time last year, the Biden Administration was refusing to even utter the words ‘ceasefire’ — senior U.S. officials only got there because of pressure from people like you, as well as countless individuals and organizations here and around the world.
While I’m full of joy for the potential of this moment, I’m also heartbroken for the tens of thousands of people who died needlessly, and the hostages who have spent over a year in horrific conditions, because political leaders put their own interests above people’s lives.
Today, I can only hope that this deal comes together, when so many in recent months have fallen away — and the gratitude I have is to people like you, and the people in Israel and Palestine who have been campaigning for peace in horrific conditions.
Our leaders may not save us, but we show up for each other time and time again.
Thank you for showing up, for insisting on the right of everyone in Palestine and Israel to live with dignity and thrive without the fear of violence. Today, let us savor the hope — because tomorrow, there will be a lot we have to do together to help make sure this isn’t a temporary pause, but rather the start of a true pathway to peace and security for all.