DOHA: The implementation of the hostage deal, once executed, will mark thefirst temporary halt in the ongoing conflict, but it won’t bring an end tothe war.
Here’s additional information you should be aware of:
What has been agreed?
Israel and Hamas have agreed to a four-day cessation of hostilities inGaza, allowing the release of 50 hostages in exchange for 150 Palestiniansimprisoned in Israel, as announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Inaddition, Hamas stated that during the temporary truce, hundreds ofhumanitarian, medical, and fuel aid trucks would be permitted to enterGaza.
The exact start of the ceasefire is expected to be announced within 24hours, according to Qatar, which mediated the agreement. Fighting persistedin Gaza following the deal’s announcement, with the hope that, ifsuccessful, it will be the first break in the six-week Israeli offensivethat has resulted in over 13,000 casualties, according to the Hamas-runHealth Ministry.
Why now?
The agreement arose under increasing pressure from the families of thehostages and the international community. The majority of the Israeli warCabinet voted in favor of the deal. The Israeli government, under PrimeMinister Netanyahu, emphasized its commitment to bringing all hostageshome.
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After weeks of mediated talks by Qatar, involving other regional andglobal powers such as the United States and Egypt, international observersanticipate that the deal will not only lead to the release of remaininghostages but also improve the dire humanitarian situation for Gaza’scivilians.
What happens once the cease-fire is over?
Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani expressed hope thatthe hostage deal would pave the way for a peace process in Gaza, seeking acomprehensive and just peace process in line with international legitimacyresolutions. In contrast, Netanyahu stated that the war in Gaza wouldresume after the pause until all of Israel’s goals are achieved, includingthe elimination of Hamas, considered a terrorist group by Israel, theEuropean Union, the United States, and others.
Another goal is to secure the release of all hostages. Israel has indicatedthat it would extend the four-day pause for an additional day for every tenhostages released by Hamas. The Justice Ministry published a list of 300names of Palestinian prisoners who could be freed, twice the initiallyplanned number of 150 Palestinian women and children.
Hamas, while announcing the truce, asserted that it would not halt itsbroader fight, maintaining readiness to defend the people and defeat theoccupation.