Israel and Hamas call a truce to free hostages in swap for prisoners, and allow more aid into Gaza

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Israel and Hamas have agreed to a four-day cease-fire in the Gaza conflict, a significant diplomatic achievement that will result in the release of numerous hostages held by militants, the liberation of Palestinians detained in Israel, and an increased flow of aid into the beleaguered Gaza Strip.

Announced on Wednesday, the truce has sparked optimism for a gradual de-escalation of the seven-week war, ignited by Hamas’ incursion into Israel on October 7. The conflict has devastated large areas of Gaza, escalated violence in the West Bank, and heightened fears of a broader regional conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would resume its military campaign after the cease-fire to neutralize Hamas’ combat capabilities and secure the freedom of all hostages in Gaza.

The cease-fire represents a fragile pause, with Israeli forces controlling much of northern Gaza and claiming to have disrupted tunnels and Hamas’ infrastructure there. However, Israeli authorities admit that Hamas’ capabilities remain largely intact in other regions. Israel, shortly before the truce, was prepared to expand its ground offensive to southern Gaza, a move that could have dire consequences for the already displaced population there.

Residents of Gaza City reported intensified fighting leading up to the cease-fire, with significant gunfire, artillery, and airstrikes.

Despite ongoing rocket attacks from Palestinian militants towards Israel, no casualties were reported.

This truce follows weeks of indirect negotiations to release approximately 240 hostages taken by Hamas and other militants during their October 7 raid.

The cease-fire, scheduled to commence at 10 a.m. local time (0800 GMT) on Thursday, was facilitated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States.

As per the agreement, 50 hostages will be released in stages, in exchange for the liberation of 150 Palestinian prisoners by Israel. Priority will be given to the release of women and children from both sides.

Under this arrangement, Hamas has committed to releasing at least 50 of the around 240 hostages taken during its October 7 attack. In return, Israel will free 150 Palestinian prisoners, primarily youths detained over the past year for minor offenses like rock-throwing.

The truce provides the first respite for the people of Gaza, where over 11,000 fatalities have occurred. In contrast, Israel has seen approximately 1,200 deaths, mainly during Hamas’ initial incursion.

Israel has proposed extending the truce by an additional day for every 10 hostages Hamas releases. The deal also allows for the entry of humanitarian aid, including fuel, into Gaza.

U.S. President Joe Biden has endorsed the agreement, highlighting Netanyahu’s commitment to a prolonged cessation of hostilities. Other nations, including Britain, France, China, and Russia, have also welcomed the pact.

Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, expressed hope that this deal might lead to a lasting cease-fire and substantive discussions to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israel’s Justice Ministry released a list of 300 prisoners eligible for release, predominantly teenagers arrested in the past year for minor offenses.

More than 1,850 Palestinians, mainly suspected Hamas affiliates, have been detained in the West Bank by the Israeli military since the war’s onset, resulting in over 200 deaths, mostly during clashes instigated by military operations. There’s also been a rise in attacks by Jewish settlers, exacerbating Palestinian despair.

In the southern Gaza Strip, an Israeli bombardment on Khan Younis left a Palestinian woman injured, highlighting the ongoing violence and destruction.

The conflict, which began with Hamas militants entering southern Israel and taking hostages, has led to over 11,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza due to Israeli airstrikes and a subsequent ground invasion. The Health Ministry in Gaza, controlled by Hamas, reports these figures without distinguishing between civilians and militants. The ministry also indicated that it had lost the capacity to accurately count fatalities due to extensive damage to the health system.

For Israel, ceasing hostilities now would mean falling short of its objective to dismantle Hamas in Gaza completely.

Israeli forces are expected to maintain their positions around northern Gaza during the truce. While Israel claims to have eliminated thousands of Hamas combatants, it hasn’t provided evidence to support these figures.

Hamas views the prisoner release as a significant triumph, potentially framing it as a victory if the conflict ends.

Internationally, there’s pressure on Israel to prolong the truce, given the extensive damage inflicted on Gaza’s civilian population, which has drawn global criticism, including from the U.S.

Continued airstrikes have caused further casualties and destruction in Gaza, with strikes targeting residential areas and refugee camps.

Over 1.7 million Palestinians have been displaced by the war, with many unlikely to return home due to widespread devastation and the ongoing Israeli military presence in the north.

The cease-fire agreement promises increased aid to southern Gaza, offering some relief to the hundreds of thousands struggling for basic necessities. Israel has restricted imports into Gaza since the war’s inception, with limited aid entering through Egypt’s Rafah crossing.

Humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza have criticized the cease-fire for its limited duration and the insufficient

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More about Israel-Hamas Cease-Fire

• Gaza Conflict Overview
• Israel-Hamas Negotiations
• Humanitarian Aid in Gaza
• International Mediation in Gaza Cease-Fire
• Impact of Israel-Gaza Truce on Regional Politics
• Historical Context of Israel-Hamas Conflicts