Ceasefire a step forward, not the end of war: Expert

 

International relations expert, Professor Brooks Spector, says that while the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas marks a significant step, it should be viewed as the beginning of a process rather than the end of the war.

Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire aimed at ending the more than two-year-long deadly conflict.

More than 67,000 people have been killed since the start of the deadly war.

The deal, reached after three days of indirect talks in Egypt, includes a hostage-prisoner exchange and the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

As part of the first phase, Hamas is set to release 20 hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners within 72 hours of the agreement, which is expected to be signed later today.

Professor Spector says the first phase of the ceasefire is much like the beginning of a long journey — with many chances for missteps along the way.

“Anything could, almost anything, any individual act by a person could trigger problems. And so it is wise for us not to be; we should all be delighted that this has gotten this far.”

The scholar says this may be a step towards the right direction, where both sides have agreed to meet and talk.

“There is a certain kind of impetus, a certain kind of pressure to move forward to the next tier, the next layer, the next step.”

“If that’s true and if that process continues, that begins to build up a layer of trust and respect side to side, such that the agreement begins to become more comprehensive and more successful.”

 

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has urged all parties to take the steps agreed upon during negotiations and follow through with a credible and inclusive political process.

DIRCO’s spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri, says the agreement will pave the way for ending the war in Gaza and bringing about a durable peace.

Phiri has also commended the role played by the guarantor states.

“The cost to human lives and the brutality suffered by civilians in Gaza, particularly women and children, has been immeasurable. The devastation left behind on the people of Palestine must never again be inflicted on any civilian population,” he added.

Phiri added that South Africa stands ready to share its experiences in peacebuilding and transitional justice.

The South African Government welcomes the announcement of a peace plan between Hamas and Israel paving the way for ending the war on Gaza and bringing about durable peace. pic.twitter.com/mFjduhxxNN

— Minister: International Relations and Cooperation (@RonaldLamola) October 9, 2025

World leaders across the world have also reacted to the ceasefire agreement.

Following the announcement of a deal to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza, @antonioguterres stresses that the world must never forget the unbearable human cost of this conflict.

“We have all waited far too long for this moment.
Now we must make it truly count.” pic.twitter.com/ZCFtbp7DH1

— United Nations (@UN) October 9, 2025

Great hope for the hostages and their families, for the Palestinians in Gaza, and for the entire region.

I welcome the agreement reached overnight for the release of the hostages and the ceasefire in Gaza, and I commend the efforts of President @realDonaldTrump, as well as…

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) October 9, 2025

I welcome the announcement of an agreement to secure a ceasefire & hostage release in Gaza, based on the proposal put forward by @POTUS. I commend the diplomatic efforts of the United States, Qatar, Egypt & Türkiye in brokering this desperately needed breakthrough.

I urge all…

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) October 9, 2025

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke at the opening ceremony of the Academic Year 2025-2026:

“Our brothers and sisters in Gaza are the people who deserve peace, tranquility, and security in the world the most.

Allah willing, we will continue to do whatever is necessary to… pic.twitter.com/LKwwSjuwz0

— Republic of Türkiye Directorate of Communications (@Communications) October 9, 2025