The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas went into effect recently after overcoming initial hurdles. The truce, scheduled for Sunday, was delayed for a brief period as technical issues needed resolution on Hamas' side before Israel could proceed with releasing hostages. During this period, Israeli airstrikes resulted in casualties in Gaza, leading to further tension and emphasizing the ceasefire's fragility. Eventually, Hamas fulfilled requirements by announcing the release of three Israeli hostages, finalizing one of the agreement's preliminary stages.

International mediation has been a pivotal element of this ceasefire agreement, with Egypt, Qatar, and the United States playing significant roles in brokering the truce. The deal signifies a temporary suspension in the ongoing 15-month conflict that began with a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, which resulted in extensive loss of life and provoked a severe Israeli response. Negotiations leading up to this point encountered multiple setbacks and required astute diplomatic interventions, culminating in a complex swap, with Hamas agreeing to release 33 hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees held by Israel.

The reactions on both sides of the conflict demonstrate a combination of relief and skepticism. In Gaza, civilians showcased cautious optimism as humanitarian aid began streaming into the region following the commencement of the ceasefire. However, there is significant apprehension surrounding the continuity of peace, given the volatile historical exchanges and negotiations in this Middle Eastern conflict.

Marking a landmark diplomatic effort, the Israeli government managed to rally the necessary political factions to approve the ceasefire deal. Although internal divisions surfaced, particularly with Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir's resignation over the agreement, Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu successfully navigated the intricacies of government dissent to ensure the ceasefire proceeded as planned.

The humanitarian angle of this ceasefire cannot be understated. With the region deeply impacted by continuous hostilities, the terms of the ceasefire not only provide room for strategic political maneuvers but also bring urgent humanitarian relief to the millions affected in Gaza. Many residents find themselves returning to ravaged homes, confronting the long road to rebuilding amid deeply scarred infrastructures.

Moving forward, the ceasefire is to be maintained for a duration of six weeks, during which broader efforts to mediate a lasting solution will continue. As part of this delicate yet hopeful process, a network of complex negotiations endeavors to bring further stability to the area. The ceasefire is structured in phases, ensuring staggered progress in hostages release, humanitarian support, and potentially demilitarizing strategies.

Despite slight discontent within segments of Israeli politics and international watch on the war's toll, which reportedly claimed over 47,000 Palestinian lives since its inception and provoked high Israeli casualties, the political will towards peace takes precedence. As a gesture towards eventual restoration, these diplomatic and practical efforts are emphasized, aiming to cease hostilities and return to a semblance of normalcy in the embattled region.

However, the success of this agreement highly depends on mutual adherence to the terms. As negotiations for subsequent stages continue, it remains to be seen if this will mark a definitive turn toward peace or serve as a temporary pause in the protracted conflict. The ceasefire stands at a pivotal junction; its potential lies in healing war-torn communities and resetting dialogues towards sustainable peace. Meticulously, the coming weeks will determine whether the ceasefire holds, thereby fostering hopes for a durable resolution to decades-long tensions in the Middle East.