Egyptian Chronicles: January 2025

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

The Israel-Gaza ceasefire agreement: Let’s pray it works

A few hours ago, it was announced officially in Qatar’s Doha that after Egyptian Qatari American mediation efforts, Palestinian factions led by Hamas group and Israel signed a ceasefire agreement for a prisoner exchange and the establishment of sustainable calm, paving the way for a permanent ceasefire.

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza, Qatar's PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani announced. pic.twitter.com/Xm5uZXbUAu
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) January 15, 2025

The agreement will take effect on Sunday 19 January 2025 at 12.15 PM.

The agreement consists of three phases to de-escalate the situation and restore stability.

Phase One (Duration: 42 Days):

Ceasefire: Both parties commit to a complete cessation of hostilities.
Israeli Forces' Withdrawal and Redeployment: Israeli forces will withdraw from densely populated areas and reposition outside these zones.
Prisoner and Detainee Exchange: The parties will exchange prisoners and detainees, as well as the remains of deceased individuals.
Return of Internally Displaced Persons: Internally displaced residents of Gaza will be allowed to return to their homes.
Medical Evacuations: Facilitate the exit of patients and injured individuals for treatment.

Rafah crossing will start working starting on Thursday and by working here, we mean to fix on the Palestinian side as the Israeli army completely destroyed the Palestinian side of Rafah crossing.

Additionally, the first phase includes the intensification of humanitarian aid delivery across the Gaza Strip, ensuring safe and effective distribution on a large scale.

Days at the Egyptian Museum of Cairo: Coptic-Byzantine Style- Madonna and Child or Merry Christmas to Eastern Orthodox Christians

Merry Christmas to all the Christians celebrating it tonight following the Eastern Orthodox Church above them the dear followers of the Eastern Church, especially the Coptic Orthodox Christian Egyptians.

On this occasion, I would like share with you this beautiful old Coptic-Byzantine style Madonna and Child’s triptych Christian icon.

It was displayed at the Egyptian Museum of Cairo in June 2023 on the occasion of the arrival of the Holy Family to Egypt.

The wooden icon's central panel depicts the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus, flanked by an archangel (likely Michael or Gabriel) and a Saint, most probably Saint Paul, on the side panels.

Here is a close-up after the break.

Egyptian Chronicles’ Movers and Shakers of 2024 "Updated"

Welcome to the 2024 edition of Egyptian Chronicles' Movers and Shakers!

It’s that time of year again for our annual post.

Here is my list of those I believe to be the movers and shakers of 2024 in Egypt, the Arab world, and beyond.

This is not a list of the "top" individuals but rather those who left an impact for better or worse. The good, the bad, and the ugly all make an appearance. The naughty and the goody-goody are here too.

I didn’t publish the 2023 edition due to the war in Gaza—a decision I now regret.

But now, let’s dive into my top picks for the Movers and Shakers of 2024.

Regional shakers and movers

The Palestinian people in Gaza:

Does this need any explanation? The most resilient people in the world are facing genocide while steadfastly refusing to leave their land. Many are unaware that Palestinians could storm the Egyptian border and seek refuge in Sinai under international law, which obligates Egypt to receive them. Yet, the Palestinians of Gaza choose to remain because they know Gaza is their last frontier.

Palestinian man Ismail Al-Khlout reads the Quran as he waits to break his fast in
Ramadan "March" while sitting on the rubble of his house. Mahmoud Isssa for Reuters

The people of Gaza understand that crossing the border means never returning. Israeli plans to recolonize Gaza are not a secret; Israeli officials openly discuss them. Their relentless efforts to make Gaza uninhabitable are underway, but the Palestinian people of Gaza remain their greatest obstacle. They are the true resistance, keeping the hope of Palestine alive. Yet, one cannot help but wonder how much longer they can endure this ongoing genocide.

Some countless faces and names embody the resilience and spirit of the Palestinian people in Gaza. Among them is Hajj Khaled Nabhan, who became an icon of perseverance after losing his beloved granddaughter Reem in October 2023. Despite his grief, he continued to care for his elderly mother and support the injured and displaced in Gaza. Tragically, Hajj Nabhan was killed in November.

Khaled Nabhan and his granddaughter Reem are now together

Others, like food blogger-turned-chef Hamada Shaqoura and Mrs. Shahinaz, inspire hope through their efforts amidst the destruction. They remind us of the enduring humanity and strength of Gaza’s people.

As of October 7, 2023, the ongoing Israeli war has claimed the lives of 45,658 individuals and left 108,583 injured. Additionally, 80% of the Gaza Strip is now under Israeli evacuation orders, further compounding the humanitarian crisis.