Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced on Thursday that the Cabinet will not convene to endorse the ceasefire agreement for the Gaza Strip, nor for the release of hostages, until Hamas complies with the terms. The Prime Minister’s office accused Hamas of backtracking on aspects of the agreement in pursuit of greater concessions, although no further details were provided.
In the meantime, military actions by Israel in the Gaza Strip have resulted in the deaths of at least 72 individuals since the ceasefire arrangement was revealed, reports the Gaza Health Ministry. Following the ceasefire announcement, heavy Israeli bombardment continued overnight, shattering the hopes of those who gathered to celebrate the anticipated peace. Historically, in previous conflicts, both parties have intensified military actions just before ceasefire agreements are set to take effect as a demonstration of strength.
The deal is expected to commence on Sunday, facilitating the release of 33 hostages over a span of six weeks, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons. The second phase of the hostages’ release, including male soldiers, is set to be negotiated during the first phase. Hamas stressed that it will not release additional captives unless there is a lasting ceasefire and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces.
According to the Health Ministry, Israel’s ongoing military offensive has resulted in over 46,000 fatalities in Gaza, with a majority being women and children. The Ministry has not disclosed how many casualties were militants. Conversely, Israel claims it has killed more than 17,000 fighters, although no evidence has been presented to support this figure.
In related updates, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed his full confidence that the ceasefire in Gaza would be executed as scheduled on Sunday, notwithstanding Israel’s indication of a dispute with Hamas at the last minute. During his final briefing, Blinken faced interruptions from critics accusing him of complicity in the violence against Palestinian civilians.
Blinken, along with other members of the Biden administration, has been under scrutiny for the high casualty rates and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as well as for not enforcing significant limitations on arms sales to Israel. He characterized the ceasefire and hostage agreement as a significant opportunity for the region that necessitates political courage and compromise for a sustainably integrated Middle East.
From the battlefield, the Israeli military reported conducting 50 airstrikes within a day, targeting sites tied to Hamas and Islamic Jihad, including facilities for weapon storage, rocket launches, and manufacturing without providing conclusive evidence of these claims.
Residents of Gaza, particularly the displaced individuals in central Gaza, expressed their frustration and disbelief that Israel had yet to approve the ceasefire deal with Hamas. Many had gone to bed with hope after the announcement but awoke to despair and uncertainty regarding their future. Families are making pleas for mediation to end the violence, expressing a longing for peace and normalcy.
Qatar’s Prime Minister made a significant visit to Syria, marking the first visit since Bashar Assad’s removal. This trip followed an announcement regarding the ceasefire in Gaza, continuing Qatar’s involvement in regional diplomacy.
As casualties in Gaza continue to rise, numbers have indicated at least 72 Palestinians have died since the ceasefire was proposed. This includes victims from a food charity airstrike in Khan Younis, highlighting the ongoing tragedies of war amid emerging diplomatic discussions.
Demonstrations against the ceasefire deal have occurred in Jerusalem, expressing the frustrations of families of fallen soldiers who believe the agreement does not sufficiently dismantle Hamas nor guarantee hostages’ return. Meanwhile, Russia expressed hopes that the ceasefire could lead to lasting stability in Gaza.
International responses have welcomed the ceasefire with varying degrees of optimism, with countries including China, Iran, and Pakistan calling for humanitarian assistance to Gaza and an end to restrictions on civilian populations. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard proclaimed the ceasefire a significant victory for Hamas, while mixed reactions from Japan and South Korea indicate a focus on implementing humanitarian solutions following the ceasefire.
As discussions continue, various stakeholders are hopeful that this ceasefire may mark a transition toward a more stable and peaceful future for both Palestinians and Israelis alike.
