The “humanitarian pause” in Gaza announced on Wednesday is not a ceasefire. Reportedly, even as the deal was being discussed by the Israeli cabinet, airstrikes continued. Yet, the four-day window for desperately needed aid, medical supplies and essentials for the thousands of civilians suffering the consequences of the conflict between Hamas and Israel, is welcome. The terms of truce, brokered by Qatar, the US and Egypt, require a cessation of violence and an exchange of 50 Israeli hostages held by Hamas in return for the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israel. The prisoner exchange adds a strategic and political component to the humanitarian window. It also brings an opportunity.
Since Hamas’s attack on October 7, and Israel’s brutal response, many countries — including big powers like China and Russia — have indulged in lofty rhetoric about the need for peace. That the cessation of hostilities, even if brief for now, was brokered by countries with stakes and roots in the region — and not necessarily those engaged in rhetorical displays of moralpolitik — is worth noting. The US has open channels of communication as well as leverage with both Israeli and Palestinian decision-makers. Qatar has influence with Hamas and Egypt, as a regional power that shares a border with Palestine and is a refuge for Palestinians. The role that the three countries have played — the lives they will undoubtedly save — must be commended. As humanitarian operations begin, India must do all it can for those suffering in Gaza — in terms of aid, supplies, as well as help to broker a solution.
The coming humanitarian pause also offers space for regional leaders to think of a way forward. The road map suggested by India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the BRICS summit on Tuesday may be useful. First, humanitarian aid and a cessation of hostilities. Second, both terrorism and military attacks on civilians must stop. Finally, a two-state solution that ensures security for Israel and sovereignty of Palestinians. What is needed in this moment of death and suffering is leadership that looks beyond the pain, that can clear a path to peace. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement, just before his cabinet approved the pause, is disturbing: “We are at war and we will continue it until we achieve all the objectives,” he said. Rather than take a maximalist position, Israel should try — reports indicate that sections of the coalition government are amenable to this — to negotiate the return of more hostages for a longer cessation of violence. Hamas must realise that the cycle of violence it began only serves to further devastate the lives of Palestinians.
