In a significant development towards achieving a temporary cessation of hostilities, the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, voted on Wednesday to support a deal facilitating the release of 50 women and children held as hostages in Gaza by Palestinian Hamas militants. The exchange agreement entails a four-day pause in fighting, providing a crucial respite for both sides.
Qatar, acting as a mediator in the negotiations, along with the involvement of the United States, Israel, and Hamas, has been instrumental in facilitating the deal. The hostages, believed to number over 200 and taken during a surge of Hamas fighters into Israel on October 7, will be released gradually over the four-day period.
The Prime Minister’s Office stated that for every additional 10 hostages released, the pause in fighting would be extended by another day. The statement did not explicitly mention the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange. However, a U.S. official, briefed on the discussions, had earlier indicated that the deal might include the exchange of 150 Palestinian prisoners.
The government’s commitment to ensuring the return of all hostages was emphasized in the statement released after hours of closed-door deliberations. Notably, the far-right Jewish Power party, with all but three ministers in favor, supported the deal, as reported by Israel’s Ynet.
The proposed truce comes amid a devastating conflict in which Israeli bombardments have caused extensive damage to Gaza, claiming the lives of 13,300 civilians and displacing about two-thirds of the enclave’s 2.3 million population, according to Gaza authorities.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu acknowledged the role of U.S. President Joe Biden in improving the tentative agreement, resulting in a deal that included more hostages and fewer concessions. Despite the truce, Netanyahu affirmed Israel’s ongoing mission to destroy Hamas, ensure the return of all hostages, and prevent any threat to Israel from Gaza.
The temporary pause in hostilities is expected to allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israeli media sources suggest that the first release of hostages is anticipated on Thursday, with implementation waiting for 24 hours to address any potential legal challenges in the Supreme Court.
As the focus remains on the hostage release, fighting on the ground continues. The Israeli military reportedly ordered the evacuation of the Indonesian Hospital in Gaza City, alleging militant operations from the facility. Hospitals, including Al Shifa, have been severely impacted, with shortages exacerbating the crisis.
While the situation evolves, the humanitarian implications and the pursuit of a broader resolution to the conflict remain key concerns for the international community.
22nd Nov 2023
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