Israel and Hamas have agreed to a four-day cease-fire in the ongoing war in Gaza, marking a diplomatic breakthrough in the conflict. The truce will lead to the release of dozens of hostages held by militants, as well as Palestinians imprisoned in Israel. It will also bring much-needed aid to the besieged territory. The war, which began with Hamas’ deadly rampage into Israel on October 7, has resulted in widespread destruction in Gaza and increased violence in the occupied West Bank. There are fears that the conflict could escalate further and spread across the Middle East.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the war would resume after the truce expires, with Israel’s goal being to destroy Hamas’ military capabilities and secure the release of all 240 hostages held captive in Gaza. Netanyahu also stated that he had instructed the Mossad spy agency to track down Hamas’ exiled leadership.
You may also like to watch : Who Is Kamala Harris? Biography - Parents - Husband - Sister - Career - Indian - Jamaican Heritage
The cease-fire agreement faced a last-minute delay, with the deal not taking effect until Friday instead of the expected Thursday. However, if implemented, the truce will temporarily freeze the conflict at a critical moment. Israeli troops currently control much of northern Gaza and claim to have dismantled tunnels and much of Hamas’ infrastructure in the area. However, Hamas’ infrastructure remains intact in other parts of the region.
The announcement of the truce follows weeks of negotiations to secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas during their raid. Egypt, Qatar, and the United States helped mediate the deal. The truce will see the gradual release of 50 hostages in exchange for the release of 150 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Both sides have agreed to prioritize the release of women and children.
The truce will also allow for the entry of humanitarian aid, including fuel, into Gaza. The International Committee of the Red Cross will be granted access to visit the hostages in captivity. The cease-fire is scheduled to begin on Thursday at 10 a.m. local time.
While the truce offers a temporary respite, the war’s ultimate outcome remains uncertain. The conflict has caused significant casualties and widespread destruction, with both sides vowing to continue fighting until their goals are achieved.
You may also like to watch: Is US-NATO Prepared For A Potential Nuclear War With Russia - China And North Korea?
