Israel agrees to 4-day halt for hostage release after 46 days of Hamas war

The Israeli Government has finally given the green light to a temporary ceasefire in the ongoing war with Hamas. Israel’s Cabinet, on Wednesday, November 22, approved the halt, which is expected to bring the first pause after 46 days of relentless fighting, as reported by the Associated Press.

This deal between the stakeholders aims to secure the release of 50 women and children from Israel, held captive in Gaza.

Terms of the deal:

• The decision follows days of negotiations mediated by Qatar and involves a four-day pause in the ongoing conflict, as reported by Al Jazeera.
• Officials from Qatar, the US, Israel, and Hamas have been indicating an imminent deal, and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the approval.

• "Israel's government is committed to returning all the hostages home. Tonight, it approved the proposed deal as a first stage to achieving this goal," stated the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem.
• The ceasefire mandates the release of 50 hostages over four days, with a provision for extending the pause for each additional 10 hostages released.
• The US had earlier hinted at the exchange of 150 Palestinian prisoners. However, any such concrete report on the same has not been found yet.

There are roughly 200 hostages from Israel in Gaza, Reuters reported.

Operational details

• A Channel 12 report suggests that the first release of hostages is expected on Thursday, with a 24-hour waiting period to address potential legal challenges.
• While Hamas has released a few captives earlier, the current deal involves a larger number of hostages.
• However, on the ground, fighting continues, with the Israeli military ordering the evacuation of the Indonesian Hospital in Gaza City, citing alleged militant activities on the premises.

• The situation remains dynamic, and the success of the ceasefire depends on its implementation in the coming days, reported the Associated Press.
• "Israel's government is committed to returning all the hostages home. Tonight, it approved the proposed deal as a first stage to achieving this goal," stated the Israeli release, following extended closed-door deliberations.
• Ynet, an Israeli news outlet, reported that nearly all members of the far-right Jewish Power party, with only three exceptions, voted in support of the deal.

Humanitarian aspect

• Israeli PM Netanyahu acknowledged the intervention of US President Joe Biden, noting improvements in the agreement.
• Despite the temporary pause, Netanyahu emphasised that Israel remains at war until all goals are achieved, including the destruction of Hamas and ensuring Gaza poses no threat.
• The ceasefire not only allows for the release of hostages but also facilitates the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, addressing the dire situation in the region.

• According to Al Jazeera, more than 14,100 people have been killed in Gaza since October 7, most of them being women and children.

Public reaction

• The families of the hostages have been a focal point in Israel, staging demonstrations and exerting pressure on the government.
• The staggered release of hostages could impact public sentiment, and the government's commitment to continuing the war after the ceasefire indicates a complex political landscape.
• The ceasefire, brokered by the US and Qatar, offers a temporary respite but raises questions about the long-term impact on Israel's military objectives and international pressure to end the offensive.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this development will shape the trajectory of the conflict and the broader implications for the region.