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Israel and Hamas have reached a deal on a cease-fire and hostages. What does it look like?

by Chloe Baker
4 comments
Israel-Hamas Cease-Fire

Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement for a four-day cease-fire, coupled with the release of numerous hostages captured by militants on October 7 during an assault on Israeli areas, resulting in the abduction of approximately 240 people. This ceasefire marks the first respite for the residents of Gaza, who have endured significant casualties, including the deaths of over 11,000 people, many being women and children.

The truce, facilitated through the efforts of Qatar, the United States, and Egypt, comes amid escalating conflict in Gaza City’s central locales. It concludes weeks of sporadic, indirect negotiations and may significantly influence the ongoing war, now in its seventh week.

While Israel, Hamas, and Qatar have divulged varying specifics about the deal, these details are not contradictory. As per Qatar’s announcement, Hamas will free 50 hostages in return for Israel’s release of 150 Palestinian prisoners, focusing on women and minors. The exchange will occur in phases throughout the cease-fire, with Israel liberating the first set of Palestinian prisoners following the initial hostage release.

These prisoners, including numerous teenagers arrested in the West Bank for activities like stone-throwing, are listed by Israel’s Justice Ministry. Israel, holding nearly 7,000 Palestinians for security-related charges, has proposed to extend the truce by a day for every ten additional hostages released.

Qatar also mentioned that Israel would permit increased fuel and humanitarian aid into Gaza. According to Hamas, this includes daily entry of trucks carrying humanitarian assistance and fuel, particularly to northern Gaza, previously the focal point of Israel’s ground offensive. Israeli media reports suggest a significant increase in fuel and aid deliveries to Gaza, despite Israel’s stringent restrictions during the war.

The cease-fire entails a halt in military actions: Israeli forces will cease fire, and militants are expected to refrain from rocket attacks. However, details regarding Israeli air surveillance over Gaza during the truce remain unclear.

Notably, the deal leaves several hostages, including men, women, older individuals, and foreigners, in Hamas’s custody. Families not covered in the current agreement are likely to persist in demanding the Israeli government’s intervention for their relatives’ release.

The International Committee of the Red Cross, as reported by Haaretz, may visit the remaining hostages, though this has not been officially confirmed. The truce, while offering a temporary respite to Palestinians in Gaza, does not enable displaced individuals to return north, with Israeli forces maintaining their positions.

The cease-fire presents a brief pause in hostilities, allowing Israel to strategize for continued military operations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that the truce would not impede the war effort, with expectations of renewed airstrikes and military advancements in Gaza post-cease-fire.

This arrangement may also strengthen Hamas by providing them an opportunity to reorganize and potentially increase their demands, exploiting the staggered nature of the deal. The possibility of extending the cease-fire, through further hostage releases, could challenge Israel’s ability to recommence hostilities, both operationally and in terms of international perception. Domestically, the Israeli government might face heightened pressure to negotiate the release of more hostages, especially from families excluded from the initial deal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Israel-Hamas ceasefire

What is the main agreement between Israel and Hamas?

The main agreement between Israel and Hamas is a four-day cease-fire, during which both sides will halt military operations.

What triggered the need for this cease-fire?

The need for this cease-fire arose from the conflict that began on October 7 when Israeli communities were attacked by militants, resulting in the abduction of approximately 240 people.

Who brokered the cease-fire deal?

The cease-fire deal was brokered by Qatar, with involvement from the United States and Egypt.

What are the terms of the hostage release?

Hamas will release 50 hostages in exchange for Israel’s release of 150 Palestinian prisoners, focusing on women and minors. The exchange will occur in phases throughout the cease-fire.

How will the cease-fire impact Gaza?

The cease-fire offers a temporary respite to the war-weary Palestinians in Gaza, where over 11,000 people have been killed. It also opens the door for humanitarian aid and fuel deliveries into Gaza.

What happens after the four-day cease-fire?

After the cease-fire, Israel is expected to resume military operations, including airstrikes and a potential ground offensive, while Hamas may strategize and possibly demand further concessions.

What about the hostages who are not covered by this deal?

Families of hostages not covered by this agreement are likely to continue pressuring the Israeli government to secure their loved ones’ release through future negotiations.

Is there international oversight of the hostage situation?

The International Committee of the Red Cross may visit remaining hostages to provide them with necessary medicines, though this has not been officially confirmed.

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4 comments

CryptoEconMan November 22, 2023 - 5:44 pm

Dis ceasefire soundz like a step 2ward peace, but r they reali gonna stick 2 it? W8ing 2 c da nxt move.

Reply
BizMaven November 23, 2023 - 12:34 am

Impacts on econ n’ finance in da region cud b big, but not much mentioned here. Need mo info on dat aspect.

Reply
JournoExpert November 23, 2023 - 3:29 am

gud breakdown of da israel-hamas deal, but needz more info on da hostages n’ deir conditionz. gr8 job othrwize!

Reply
PolitiTalker November 23, 2023 - 9:46 am

Itz crz how dis war’s been going on 4 so long. Hope the ceasefire brings some relief 2 Gazans. Gd article!

Reply

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