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The American newspaper “The Hill” said that the agreement reached agitation Israel’s release of 50 Israeli “hostages” in exchange for a temporary cessation of fighting represents one of the most important developments in the war that lasted more than 6 weeks. However, the newspaper believes that the implementation of the agreement, scheduled to take effect this week, is taking place amid an intense state of mistrust, doubts and anxiety.
She pointed out 5 main observations on this temporary truce between the two sides, which are:
First note: It is not called a ceasefire
Israel has rejected calls and pressures for any long-term ceasefire, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that stopping the fighting does not mean that Israel is abandoning its war goal of eliminating Hamas’ base in Gaza.
Israel, with US support, says Hamas is likely to take advantage of any pause in fighting to reorganize its military operations.
However, the newspaper says that the United States has put pressure on Israel to do more to protect the lives of civilians in Gaza, and has raised concerns about Israel seeking to expand its military campaign in the southern Gaza Strip, where many Palestinians have fled bombing and fighting in the northern Strip.
Second: The situation on the ground is “catastrophic”
The Hill indicated that thousands of Palestinians were killed over more than 6 weeks of war, and hundreds of thousands were injured and displaced. A large part of the population of more than two million people lives in a miserable humanitarian situation, as they rationate water, food and medicine, and are vulnerable to infectious diseases such as diarrhea and skin diseases.
For those facing displacement, temperatures are dropping and winter rains continue, prompting aid organizations to make desperate calls for a greater ceasefire, which they say is necessary to reduce the suffering in Gaza.
Third: Questions about the rest of the hostages
Hamas is not believed to have full control over all the hostages it holds. Palestinian Islamic Jihad is also believed to have kidnapped people, with reports that civilians in Gaza may also be involved in some cases.
This has raised questions about whether Hamas is even capable of identifying all the hostages held inside the Strip.
Fourth: Israeli hospitals are preparing for “complex” treatment
Medical first responders and long-term care specialists are preparing for the return of hostages to Israel, after being held in what has been described as an unbearable hell.
Fifth: A longer-term ceasefire remains elusive
Israeli public opinion appears to be supportive of the deal and wants the government to do everything it can to return the hostages, but Hamas will likely try to impose a higher price for the captured Israeli men and soldiers.
