Gaza: Even after a prolonged six weeks of indiscriminate bombardment and genocidal attacks in Gaza, the settler state’s prime minister expressed embarrassment that not a single one of the 240 hostages had been recovered. Immense pressure from the hostages’ relatives and public outrage compelled the “Israeli” government to agree to a temporary ceasefire with Hamas, aiming to return at least 50 hostages to save face.
The ceasefire agreement, mediated by Qatar, was announced on Wednesday. The agreement carries conditions between the two sides. Both accepted the ceasefire for four days, with Hamas agreeing to release 50 hostages from their 237 captives. Additionally, Israel is willing to extend the truce beyond a four-day period by adding a day in exchange for 10 additional hostages from Hamas. Israel disclosed a list of 150 Palestinian women and children set to be released from captivity. Hamas demanded unrestricted humanitarian aid, including medical relief and fuel assistance, as well as the cessation of air traffic and free movement of people on Salah Al-Din Road.
Amidst the discussion of the deal’s approval, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized that a pause in fighting would not mean the end of the war on Hamas. “This is not the end. We will continue to fight until Hamas is fully dismantled,” Netanyahu said. He also stated that bringing back their captives held by Hamas is a “supreme and sacred task.” “Securing the release of every single hostage is our top priority. We will not rest until they are all safely returned home,” the Prime Minister affirmed.
