JERUSALEM (AP) – After weeks of devastating war in Gaza, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a four-day halt to the fighting. The truce, announced by the Persian Gulf nation of Qatar, comes with the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The agreement marks the biggest diplomatic breakthrough since Hamas’ incursion into southern Israel on October 7th, which sparked the ongoing conflict.
The truce will be accompanied by the release of 50 hostages in stages, with Hamas receiving 150 Palestinian prisoners in return. Women and children will be released first, and humanitarian aid to Gaza will be increased. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel will resume the war after the truce until all their goals are achieved, including the defeat of Hamas and the return of all hostages.
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Despite the ceasefire announcement, fighting in Gaza City has intensified, with heavy artillery, airstrikes, and gunshots heard throughout the night. The situation remains tense as both sides prepare for the next phase of the conflict.
The agreement was reached through weeks of negotiations led by Qatar, with the involvement of the United States and Egypt. President Joe Biden has expressed support for the truce, emphasizing the need for the release of hostages and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
While the truce offers a temporary respite, the full extent of the devastation in Gaza is still being realized. The war has claimed the lives of thousands of Palestinians, and the destruction has displaced over 1.7 million people. Hamas leader Yehya Sinwar is likely to present the release of prisoners as a major achievement and claim victory if the war ends without removing Hamas from power.
The return of hostages is expected to bring relief to their families in Israel, but it could also create divisions as some hostages are freed while others remain in captivity. Soldiers are likely to be the last to be released, and their families may demand an extension of the truce until they are safely returned.
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The truce also presents an opportunity for Hamas to regroup and rebuild its infrastructure after suffering heavy losses. Israeli troops and tanks are expected to remain in place, but the pause in fighting could limit Israel’s ability to press its offensive.
As the ceasefire takes effect, the focus will now be on whether it can lead to a lasting peace and a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
