Revised Article on Israel-Hamas Truce Deal

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Delay in Israel-Hamas Truce Agreement; Implementation Expected on Friday

A four-day cease-fire agreement in Gaza, which includes the release of numerous hostages held by Hamas and Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, has encountered an unexpected delay. Initially set to commence on Thursday, a senior Israeli official indicated that the truce’s start would be postponed to Friday.

The anticipated diplomatic resolution had offered hope to over 1.7 million Palestinians displaced by weeks of Israeli strikes. In Israel, there was also a growing concern for those captured during the conflict initiated by Hamas’ attack on October 7.

Tzachi Hanegbi, Israel’s national security adviser, announced the postponement late Wednesday but did not specify the reasons. According to Israeli news outlets, certain final aspects of the agreement were still under negotiation.

Qatar, instrumental in mediating with Hamas, stated early Thursday that the revised start time for the truce would be declared shortly. The original plan was for the cease-fire to begin at 10 a.m. Thursday (0800 GMT). The United States and Egypt also played significant roles in brokering this agreement.

The deal had sparked hopes for de-escalating the seven-week conflict, which has devastated large areas of Gaza, escalated violence in the West Bank, and raised concerns of a broader regional conflict.

Despite this, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a national broadcast, asserted that military operations would resume post-truce, aiming to dismantle Hamas’ military strength, end its governance in Gaza, and secure the release of an estimated 240 captives in Gaza held by Hamas and allied factions.

“The conflict persists. We will continue until all our objectives are met,” Netanyahu stated, echoing his conversation with U.S. President Joe Biden. The U.S. has been a key ally of Israel in military and diplomatic support since the war’s onset.

Should the truce materialize, it would represent a fragile pause in the conflict.

Israeli forces, having captured much of northern Gaza, claim to have disrupted Hamas’ infrastructure and exposed significant hideouts, including one under Shifa Hospital, Gaza’s largest medical facility. Yet, Israeli officials acknowledge the survival of substantial Hamas capabilities and have threatened expanded operations in southern Gaza, now home to hundreds of thousands displaced from the north and living in overcrowded, resource-scarce U.N. shelters.

For Hamas, the cease-fire offers a chance to recuperate after enduring substantial losses. Yehya Sinwar, the group’s leader, is expected to tout the prisoner release as a key victory and declare triumph should the conflict conclude.

Details of Hostage Release

The truce stipulates a phased release of 50 hostages, reciprocated by Hamas’ liberation of 150 Palestinian prisoners. Priority will be given to women and children, with Israel agreeing to extend the truce for each additional ten hostages freed by Hamas.

In Israel, the return of hostages could boost morale, evidenced by significant public demonstrations demanding their repatriation.

Qatar mentioned that the cease-fire would facilitate greater humanitarian aid to Gaza, including fuel supplies, though specifics were not disclosed. Since the war’s commencement, Israel has severely restricted fuel imports, leading to widespread blackouts and reliance on generators, which are also failing.

Netanyahu noted that the deal allows the International Committee of the Red Cross to visit the hostages in captivity.

Israel’s Justice Ministry released a list of 300 eligible prisoners for release, mostly young individuals detained for minor offenses like stone-throwing.

The conflict escalated when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, resulting in over 1,200 fatalities, primarily civilians, and the abduction of numerous hostages, including soldiers.

Israel, historically engaging in disproportionate prisoner exchanges with militant groups, anticipates Hamas’ demand for the release of prominent Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli soldiers.

Devastating Impact on Gaza

The ongoing conflict, characterized by Israeli airstrikes and a ground invasion, has claimed over 11,000 Palestinian lives, as per the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza. The ministry’s data does not distinguish between civilian and militant casualties, but a significant proportion of the deceased are women and minors.

As of November 11, the ministry reported challenges in tallying fatalities due to the collapse of major health infrastructure, with the death toll likely increasing since. Approximately 2,700 individuals are missing, presumably buried under debris.

Israel asserts it has neutralized thousands of Hamas combatants, though evidence supporting these claims is absent.

Nearly three-quarters of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced. Many cannot return home due to extensive damage and ongoing Israeli military presence in northern Gaza.

The U.N. refugee agency, UNRWA, indicated that over one million Palestinians are seeking shelter in its 156 facilities in Gaza. With severe overcrowding, many are forced to sleep outdoors as winter approaches.

Israel has limited imports into Gaza since the war’s onset, with only minimal aid passing through Egypt’s Rafah crossing. Humanitarian groups in Gaza argue that the truce’s duration and Rafah’s capacity are insufficient

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Israel-Hamas Truce

More about Israel-Hamas Truce

• Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Details
• Gaza Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
• Israel’s Military Objectives Post-Truce
• Impact of War on Gaza’s Population
• International Diplomatic Efforts in Middle East Conflict