Israel and Hamas have agreed to a four-day ceasefire in the ongoing war in Gaza, according to mediators. As part of the agreement, Hamas will release dozens of hostages held by the militant group in exchange for Palestinians detained by Israel. The truce is seen as a major diplomatic breakthrough and comes after weeks of negotiations led by Qatar. The release of the hostages will be carried out in stages, with women and children being released first. In addition, the supply of humanitarian aid to Gaza will be increased. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel will resume the war after the ceasefire and continue fighting until all their goals are achieved, including the defeat of Hamas.
The war, which began in early October when Hamas militants broke through Israel’s defenses and entered southern Israel, has resulted in extensive destruction in Gaza and the deaths of thousands of Palestinians. The release of the hostages is seen as a major achievement for Hamas, which seized control of Gaza in 2007. President Joe Biden has welcomed the ceasefire and expressed hope that it will lead to a permanent end to the conflict.
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Despite the ceasefire, fighting has intensified in Gaza City, with reports of gunfire, heavy artillery, and airstrikes. There is growing pressure on Israel to end the war without achieving its goal of crushing Hamas, as the devastating impact on Gaza’s civilian population has raised concerns internationally. However, Israel has vowed to continue its offensive until Hamas is defeated, and all hostages are freed.
The return of the hostages could bring relief to the families of the captives in Israel, who have been advocating for their release. However, there may be divisions among the families as some hostages are freed while others remain in captivity. The structure of the ceasefire could also limit Israel’s ability to press its offensive, giving Hamas an opportunity to regroup. However, the continued presence of Israeli troops in Gaza raises the risk of further conflict even after the ceasefire expires.
The war in Gaza has also drawn in Iran-backed armed groups across the Middle East, with Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi rebels in Yemen participating in the conflict. Violence has also escalated in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The ceasefire is seen as a crucial step towards ending the conflict, but the long-term resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains a challenge.
