The ceasefire between Hamas militants from Palestine and Israel in Gaza officially came into effect today, Sunday (19/1). Both sides, Hamas and Israel, agreed to start the ceasefire at 8:30 AM local time.
"In accordance with coordination between the parties involved in the agreement and the mediators, the ceasefire in Gaza will commence at 8:30 AM [13:30 WIB] on Sunday, January 19, local time in Gaza," said the Qatari government in a statement.
Qatar is one of the mediators in this ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, alongside the United States and Egypt.
This agreement was reached after intensive negotiations that had been ongoing since Wednesday (15/1). The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, also approved the agreement through a cabinet vote on Friday (17/1).
In the vote, 24 ministers supported the ceasefire, while eight ministers, mostly from conservative groups, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, opposed the deal.
The second phase is scheduled to be discussed on the 16th day of the ceasefire. It is hoped that these discussions will lead to a cessation of war and a push for a permanent ceasefire.
In this phase, any remaining live hostages will be released. In exchange, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel will be freed. Additionally, this phase will also include the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza region.
The third phase of the ceasefire will involve the return of the remains and bodies of hostages, as well as the implementation of a plan to rebuild Gaza.
It is estimated that 33 hostages in Gaza will be freed by Hamas on the first day of the ceasefire. These hostages include foreign nationals.
Meanwhile, the Israeli government stated that they had agreed to release 737 Palestinian prisoners as well as 1,167 Gazan citizens who were arrested during the attacks on the region.
However, data from the Gaza Prisoner Media Office differs. According to the organization, Israel will release 1,737 prisoners, including 120 women and children.
In addition, nearly 300 Palestinians serving life sentences will also be freed.
As of now, it remains unclear why both sides have provided different figures regarding the number of prisoners to be released.
Indonesian MPR Deputy Speaker Hidayat Nur Wahid reminded that the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Palestine should not be a reason to forgive Israel's crimes against humanity committed against the people of Gaza. These crimes have been ruled on by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC).
"While we welcome this ceasefire, we must also remember the decisions of the ICJ and ICC regarding Israel's crimes, which must still be enforced, not forgotten or forgiven. The ceasefire signed by Israel and Hamas (Palestine) and the mediator countries is not meant to overlook the ICC and ICJ decisions," Hidayat stressed in Jakarta on Sunday.
He also called on the Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to be more proactive alongside the United Nations (UN) and mediator countries like Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, to ensure that the ceasefire in Gaza, which was agreed upon to take effect on January 19, 2024, is honored and not violated by Israel.
"Indonesia must also actively ensure that the ceasefire is upheld and all its provisions are implemented, with the involvement of friendly nations at the UN, the OIC, mediator countries, and other international organizations. This is necessary to end the genocide and humanitarian crimes in Gaza by Israel and hold the perpetrators accountable, in line with the ICC and ICJ rulings," he added.
Hidayat emphasized the importance of monitoring this ceasefire agreement, given Israel's history of violating agreements, such as in November 2024 with Lebanon, where Israel continued its attacks despite an agreement being reached.
He also urged the Indonesian government to strengthen communication with UN members and mediator countries such as Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, to ensure Israel complies with all the terms of the agreement. Hidayat also highlighted the support of President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump in the efforts to implement this ceasefire.
"Therefore, if Israel defies the ceasefire agreement once again, it will not only show defiance against U.S. policy and the global community's embrace of the ceasefire, but Israel should also face legal sanctions, including expulsion from international organizations such as the UN and IPU," Hidayat firmly stated.
Despite Israel beginning to withdraw its troops, signs of violations are already apparent. Israel has continued its attacks, killing 73 people in Gaza, including women and children, even after the ceasefire agreement was signed. This has been confirmed by Hamas, which affirmed that it is adhering to the terms of the agreement.
"I agree and support the position of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) which openly condemns Israel's crimes after the ceasefire agreement was signed. Hopefully, on January 19, after the ceasefire officially takes effect, there will be no more violations of the agreement," he said.
Hidayat added that the Indonesian government must continue to support the UN member states in enforcing ICC and ICJ decisions, as well as hold Israel accountable for genocide, apartheid, and other crimes against humanity.
He stressed that the ceasefire should not mean forgetting the crimes committed by Israel and its leaders. Legal proceedings at the ICJ and ICC against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant must continue.
"This must be implemented as a commitment to upholding justice and international law, as well as preserving the dignity of global organizations and international courts such as the UN, ICJ, and ICC, and the global civilization," he concluded, while underscoring that Indonesia must remain at the forefront of upholding justice in line with the mandate of the 1945 Constitution.