Temporary ceasefire in Gaza, 50 hostages to be released

Israel and Hamas have reached a temporary truce agreement which includes a provision for the release of 50 hostages that were captured by Hamas during the attack on October 7^th. The deal has been mediated by Qatar, which has been facilitating a dialogue between both parties since the beginning of the conflict in Gaza.

150 Palestinian women and children being held by Israeli authorities will also be released from jail as a part of this initiative.

Palestinian President on the Truce

The Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas appreciated the decision, calling Qatar and Egypt instrumental in bringing a pause to the fighting in Gaza. He also spoke of renewed calls for a permanent cessation of hostilities between the two sides, calling for an end to the “Israeli aggression towards Palestinian people.”

The Secretary General of the Executive Committee of the PLO, Hussein al-Sheikh, used Twitter to express his perspective on the matter, “The introduction of humanitarian aid, and the implementation of a political solution based on international legitimacy, leading to an end to the occupation and the Palestinian people gaining their freedom, independence, and sovereignty.”

President Abbas and the leadership welcome the humanitarian truce agreement, we appreciate the Qatari-Egyptian effort that has been made, and we renew the call for a comprehensive cessation of the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people, the introduction of humanitarian… https://t.co/ZkNdouuaMJ

— حسين الشيخ Hussein AlSheikh (@HusseinSheikhpl) November 22, 2023

US apprehensive regarding truce

The administration of the United States of America has pointed out that they are not entirely convinced that a permanent ceasefire would help resolve the intrinsic issues between Israel and Hamas.

The United States have also spoken extensively on the fact that Hamas is likely to use a pause in the fighting to regroup and orchestrate an even more intense attack on Israel.

There are also concerns that a ceasefire would allow the media free access to Gaza, initiating a campaign based on highlighting the devastation in the region to mold public opinion, a move that would be counter-productive to the ideals of eventual peace in the region.

The statement was as follows, “That it would allow journalists broader access to Gaza and the opportunity to further illuminate the devastation there and turn public opinion on Israel.”

Israeli losses in Gaza

Israeli authorities have stated that the IDF’s Golani Brigade lost its unit commander during an operation in Northern Gaza.

There are also reports that 71 Israeli soldiers have lost their lives since the start of the ground assault in Gaza. Hamas is making claims that Israeli losses have been far more significant than what is being reported by Tel Aviv.

Israeli President on hostage release

President Isaac Hertzog gave his two cents on the temporary cessation of hostilities in Gaza, stating that he understood the reservations that some have regarding this decision but called it a necessary step in attempting to resolving the hostage crisis.