Israel PM Netanyahu says deal with Hamas to release hostages held in Gaza has been reached

A ceasefire marred by continuing violence

Despite the breakthrough, Israeli airstrikes continued to bombard Gaza on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of at least 72 Palestinians. Local health officials, who do not differentiate between civilians and militants, said women and children were among those killed, raising the toll of lives lost in the 15-month war.

The ceasefire agreement has been fraught with tension, particularly within Netanyahu’s ruling coalition, where far-right partners have expressed fierce opposition. In a sign of growing divisions, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened to resign if the deal was approved, describing the ceasefire as “reckless” and harmful to Israel’s long-term security. Netanyahu, however, has pressed forward, citing the necessity of bringing hostages home.

The hostage exchange: Pathway to peace

Under the terms of the ceasefire, about 33 of the remaining 100 hostages held in Gaza are to be released in the coming weeks. In return, Israel has agreed to free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The release of hostages, which will happen in phases, is seen as a major concession by both sides. However, a second phase, involving the release of Israeli soldiers held by Hamas, is expected to be far more challenging.

Palestinians search for casualties at the site of Israeli strikes on houses, as the conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas continues, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, October 26, 2023. (Reuters)

The deal also calls for the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from several areas in Gaza, allowing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who had fled the fighting to return to what remains of their homes. While the first phase is intended to ease humanitarian suffering, many in the Israeli government remain skeptical about Hamas’ long-term intentions.

Internal pressure building on Netanyahu

Domestically, Netanyahu has faced mounting pressure from the families of hostages, who have urged the prime minister to put their release ahead of political concerns. The hostages’ ordeal began in October 2023 when Hamas launched a cross-border attack that killed 1,200 people and led to the capture of at least 250 Israeli hostages.

The war that followed has claimed the lives of over 46,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities. The conflict has devastated Gaza’s infrastructure, leaving most of its 2.3 million residents homeless and struggling to survive in makeshift camps.

Netanyahu’s far-right allies have expressed opposition to any ceasefire, and their discontent threatens the stability of his government. Ben-Gvir’s resignation could reduce Netanyahu’s parliamentary majority to just six seats, leaving his coalition vulnerable to collapse. However, the prime minister remains determined to push forward with the ceasefire, as the potential collapse of his government would not necessarily derail the deal.

Intensified airstrikes as ceasefire approaches

In the hours leading up to the ceasefire, Israeli forces launched intense airstrikes across Gaza. Palestinian civilians reported heavy bombardment in areas where they were preparing for the truce. These last-minute escalations are a familiar tactic used by both sides in previous conflicts to assert dominance before a ceasefire takes hold.

Palestinians in Gaza have expressed frustration with the drawn-out negotiations. “We ask our brothers in Hamas to communicate with mediators to end the war,” said Omar Jendiya, a resident of Gaza’s Deir al-Balah district. “Enough with the destruction and killing.”

Gaza’s uncertain future: Long road ahead

Although the ceasefire represents a temporary reprieve, questions loom over Gaza’s future. The war has destroyed vast portions of the territory, and the prospect of rebuilding remains daunting. With Hamas still in control of key areas, the long-term stability of Gaza rem

Palestinians react as smoke rises following Israeli strikes, as the conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas continues, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, October 26, 2023. (Reuters)

ains unclear. Moreover, disagreements between Israeli officials and Hamas over the terms of the second phase, including the full release of Israeli soldiers, raise the possibility that fighting could reignite.

Israel, under heavy international criticism for the high civilian toll of the war, has stated its intent to continue military control over Gaza until Hamas is dismantled. However, as the fighting pauses, humanitarian efforts and diplomatic negotiations may create an opportunity for a longer-lasting resolution.

Mediation and international involvement

The ceasefire deal was mediated by key international players, including Qatar and the United States. US President Joe Biden has publicly supported the agreement, while Egyptian officials, who have played a significant role in negotiations, called for the ceasefire to be implemented without delay. The UN and other humanitarian organizations have echoed these calls, emphasizing the urgent need for aid to reach Gaza’s beleaguered population.

As Gaza prepares for a fragile period of calm, the world watches closely, uncertain about the next chapter in this ongoing conflict.