A significant development emerged in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas as both parties reached a ceasefire and hostage deal on Wednesday. The agreement, expected to take effect on Sunday, aims to bring temporary relief to the war-torn region. The first phase of this deal will see the release of 33 hostages, including civilians, female soldiers, children, the elderly, and the sick. In return, an undisclosed number of Palestinian prisoners will be released.
Qatar played a pivotal role in brokering the deal, with representatives from the United States and other countries witnessing the negotiations. Despite a delay in approval by Israel's cabinet, the US anticipates that the agreement will be implemented on Sunday. Israel's cabinet postponed its vote on the agreement, attributing the delay to Hamas purportedly reneging on parts of the accord.
For the people of Gaza, who have endured constant bombardment and severe restrictions on aid for 15 months, this deal offers a potential respite from war. The agreement outlines a three-phase process, with the initial phase expected to last six weeks. As part of the deal, Israel will release 1,000 Palestinian prisoners who were arrested on October 8, 2023, but who were not involved in Hamas' attack on Israel the previous day.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a politically challenging situation with this agreement. A key party in his governing coalition has threatened to withdraw support if he does not resume military actions in Gaza after the first phase of the deal. International aid agencies have welcomed the agreement and pledged to increase their efforts to provide assistance in Gaza. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees has called for "rapid, unhindered and uninterrupted humanitarian access" to alleviate the suffering caused by the ongoing conflict.
Research conducted by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine estimates that there were 64,260 "traumatic injury deaths" in Gaza between October 7, 2023, and June 30, 2024. This staggering figure underscores the urgent need for a ceasefire and humanitarian intervention.
“We’re going to start counting days in two tracks. One track is the process of hostages being released. The second track is to count 16 days from the beginning.” – Cohen
The process involves meticulous planning and execution, as highlighted by Cohen's statement. He emphasized that reality requires proactive efforts to ensure progress.
“We’re talking about reality. Things won’t happen because they happen. Things happen because people make sure they are happening,” – Cohen
“I’m not hoping. I’m fighting for it. If I just sit down and hope or pray, it won’t happen.” – Cohen
Finer also expressed confidence in the implementation of the deal within the stipulated timeline.
“We fully expect the deal to be implemented as described by the president and by the mediators, Egypt and Qatar yesterday, and on the timeline that was described.” – Finer
The focus remains on achieving tangible outcomes rather than political accolades.
“The reality is, to be honest, we’ve not been focused on the political outcomes here and on who gets the credit. What we’ve been focused on is the outcome in the region trying to get this deal done and achieved.” – Finer
French President Macron stressed the importance of upholding the agreement and finding a political solution.
“The agreement must be respected. The hostages, freed. The Gazans, rescued. A political solution must be found.” – Macron
In a statement from Hamas, they hailed the ceasefire as an achievement for their people and supporters worldwide.
“The agreement to stop the aggression against Gaza is an achievement for our people, our resistance, our nation, and the free people of the world.” – Hamas
However, skepticism remains among some Gaza residents, as noted by Basal.
“Every time there is talk about a truce or a ceasefire, we witness an escalation in the intensity of the bombardment,” – Basal
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) highlighted Netanyahu's firm stance during negotiations.
“Due to (Netanyahu’s) strong insistence… Hamas folded on its last-minute demand to change the deployment of IDF forces in the Philadelphi Corridor,” – PMO
“The prime minister instructed the negotiating team to stick to the understandings that were agreed upon, and reject outright the last-minute blackmail attempts on the part of Hamas.” – PMO
