Ceasefire Deal Between Israel and Hamas Delayed After Deadly Airstrikes
Negotiations Ongoing
Israel airstrikes killed at least 70 people in Gaza overnight on Thursday, residents and authorities in the enclave said, hours after a ceasefire and hostage release deal was announced to bring an end to 15 months of war between Israel and Hamas.
The Deal
The complex ceasefire accord emerged on Wednesday after mediation by Qatar, Egypt and the U.S. to stop the war that has devastated the coastal territory and inflamed the Middle East. The deal, scheduled to be implemented from Sunday, outlines a six-week initial ceasefire with the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, where tens of thousands have been killed. Hostages taken by militant group Hamas, which controls the enclave, would be freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel.
Israel’s Acceptance Delayed
Israel’s acceptance of the deal will not be official until it is approved by the country’s security cabinet and government, and a vote was slated for Thursday, an Israeli official said. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas of making last-minute demands and going back on agreements.
Hamas Committed to the Deal
Hamas is committed to the ceasefire agreement announced by mediators on Wednesday, senior group official Izzat el-Reshiq said on Thursday.
Hardliners Oppose the Deal
Hardliners in Netanyahu’s government were still hoping to stop the deal, though a majority of ministers were still expected to back it. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said his party would only stay in the government if Israel resumes the war full force until Hamas is defeated. Far-right police minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has also threatened to quit the government if the ceasefire is approved.
Calls for Faster Implementation
Some Palestinians called for the deal to be implemented more quickly. "We lose homes every hour. We demand for this joy not to go away, the joy that was drawn on our faces – don’t waste it by delaying the implementation of the truce until Sunday," Gazan man Mahmoud Abu Wardeh said.
Israel’s Military Conducts Attacks
While people celebrated the pact in Gaza and Israel, Israel’s military conducted more attacks, the civil emergency service and residents said. Mahmoud Basal, the spokesperson for the Palestinian Civil Emergency Service, said in a statement that 71 Palestinians had been killed and at least 200 others wounded.
Global Reaction
Global reaction to the ceasefire was enthusiastic. "This deal will halt the fighting in Gaza, surge much-needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and reunite the hostages with their families after more than 15 months in captivity," U.S. President Joe Biden said in Washington.
Consequences of the Deal
Israel secured major gains over Iran and its proxies, mainly Hezbollah, as the Gaza conflict spread. In Gaza, Hamas may have been crippled, but without an alternative administration in place, it has been left standing. If successful, the ceasefire will halt fighting that has razed much of heavily urbanised Gaza, killed over 46,000 people, and displaced most of the tiny enclave’s pre-war population of 2.3 million, according to Gaza authorities.
Food Lined Up at Gaza’s Borders
The agreement calls for a surge in humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and the U.N. and the International Committee of the Red Cross said they were preparing to scale up their aid operations.
Conclusion
The ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is a significant step towards ending the devastating conflict in Gaza. While there are still many challenges to overcome, the agreement represents a major achievement for the international community and a chance for both sides to move towards a more peaceful future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the deal between Israel and Hamas?
A: The deal is a ceasefire agreement that includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, the release of Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel, and a surge in humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
Q: When is the deal set to be implemented?
A: The deal is set to be implemented from Sunday, but there are reports of delays and uncertainties surrounding the timing.
Q: What is the significance of the deal?
A: The deal has the potential to end 15 months of war between Israel and Hamas, and to bring much-needed relief to the people of Gaza.
Q: Are there any concerns about the deal?
A: Yes, there are concerns about the deal’s implementation, including the possibility of delays and uncertainties surrounding the timing. Additionally, there are concerns about the deal’s impact on the wider Middle East, particularly in terms of the regional implications for Israel and Iran.