Israel and Hamas reach an agreement to pause the 47-day war
Israel and Hamas have announced a temporary truce in their ongoing conflict to allow for the release of 50 women and children who were kidnapped by Hamas. The deal, brokered by Qatari, Egyptian, and US leaders, is expected to slow Israel’s invasion of Gaza and pause the war that has caused over 14,270 deaths, mostly Palestinians. The truce will see the release of ten hostages each day, with the first group expected to include three Americans.
Grueling negotiations and political pressure led to the deal
The agreement was reached after intense negotiations that involved frequent phone calls between President Biden, the emir of Qatar, and the Egyptian President. US and Israeli spy chiefs also played a role, demanding proof of life for the hostages and lists of names and identifying information. The deal was finalized after marathon sessions of the Israeli war and security Cabinets. However, some hard-line right-wing members of the government opposed any agreement with Hamas.
Israel faces mounting pressure and political turmoil
Israel’s ground invasion and continuous bombardment have resulted in the deaths of over 13,000 Palestinians, with more than half being women and children. The country is now facing international condemnation, with calls for a halt in fighting to allow for the release of hostages and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been criticized for not doing enough to free the hostages, is navigating a politically perilous situation. However, he made it clear that the war would not stop after the truce.
The truce poses challenges for Israel
While the truce offers a pause in the conflict, Israel remains cautious, fearing that Hamas will use the time to regroup and re-arm. Resuming the assault on Gaza at a similar pace after the truce will be a complicated task for the Israeli military. There may also be pressure to extend the halt in fighting to secure the release of more hostages. The situation on the ground is expected to be challenging, and experts predict that the ceasefire could last longer than initially planned.
The hostage crisis sparks national trauma in Israel
The high number of hostages, coupled with the killings on October 7, has caused a national trauma in Israel. Families and supporters of the hostages have been lobbying for their release, staging rallies, and making emotional appeals. The crisis has sparked furious public disputes over the war, with posters of the captives becoming lightning rods for anger. The discovery of hostage bodies and the rescue of some hostages has added to the emotional rollercoaster experienced by Israelis.
Hopes for aid and relief as truce is established
The truce is expected to ease the entry of desperately needed aid into Gaza, which is facing a humanitarian crisis with power outages, food shortages, and over a million displaced people. Israel has recently agreed to allow fuel into the Gaza Strip after pressure from the Biden administration. The international community hopes that the truce will pave the way for the delivery of more essential supplies and the resolution of the ongoing conflict.
Sources:
– Washington Post: [Link](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/11/16/israel-hamas-truce-hostages/)