In the first truce between Israel and Hamas amid the war going on for
over six weeks, the Israeli Government approved a deal of ceasefire on
Wednesday. As per the move, at least 50 women and children would be freed by
Hamas.
This, however, is not the end of the war, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu said before his war cabinet voted on the deal.
The war will continue until Hamas is eliminated and all hostages are
freed, Netanyahu said.
“We are at war and we will continue the war until we achieve all our
goals. To destroy Hamas, return all our hostages and ensure that no entity in
Gaza can threaten Israel,” said Netanyahu prior to the meeting.
Officials from Qatar mediated the deal between Israel and Hamas.
Netanyahu said US President Joe Biden had helped to reach the agreement so that
it included more hostages and fewer concessions.
Key Points of Israel-Hamas Ceasefire
1. This will be the first pause in the ongoing bombardment. Humanitarian
aid will also get access into Gaza owing to this halt.
2. In the four-day halt, 50 women and children would be freed by the
Hamas.
3. Though it was not clear when the truce would go into effect, the
hostages could be freed starting on Thursday.
4. The Israeli Government said it would extend the lull by an additional
day for every 10 hostages released.
5. In the statement released by Hamas in which it welcomed the
humanitarian truce, it said 150 Palestinians would be released from Israeli
jails as part of the deal.
Both sides confirmed the agreement following an all-night meeting.
Netanyahu said it was a tough decision but the right one.
Netanyahu faced resistance from his war cabinet as some believed that the
agreement would give “too much” to Hamas.
NE Watch Desk
