Israel, Hamas Agree to 2-Day Ceasefire Extension

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Facts

  • Israel and Hamas reached an agreement on Monday to extend the so-called humanitarian pause in Gaza for an additional two days — allowing more hostage-prisoner swaps and more aid to enter the Palestinian enclave.1
  • Both sides confirmed the extension, which was first announced by the spokesperson for the Qatari foreign ministry, under the same conditions previously agreed upon. Hamas will release 10 hostages each day, with Israel vowing to agree to further extensions if the group makes good on the deal.2
  • This comes as the Israel Defense Forces stated that 11 Israeli hostages, two women, and nine minors, arrived in Israel on Monday evening as part of the fourth round of the hostage-prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas, which includes also the release of 33 Palestinian prisoners.3
  • The third swap was completed a day earlier, with the pro-Palestine militant group releasing 17 more hostages — including 14 Israelis and a 4-year-old dual Israeli-American citizen — while Israel freed 39 Palestinian detainees.4
  • Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu told US Pres. Joe Biden that he could extend the truce, but that once it's over, Israel will continue 'full power' to 'destroy Hamas, ensure that Gaza won't return to what it was, and of course to free all of our hostages.'5
  • Hamas confirmed on Sunday that the commander of its northern brigade, Ahmed al-Ghandour, and four other senior leaders had been killed during Israel's offensive in Gaza, following a statement from the Israeli army. Neither side has disclosed where or when it took place.6

Sources: 1Reuters, 2CNN, 3Haaretz, 4Associated Press, 5Archive and 6The new Arab.

Narratives

  • Pro-Israel narrative, as provided by The Jerusalem Post. While freeing hostages is of the utmost importance, Israel must not succumb to unfair international pressure. Hamas has a history of forcing uneven deals, and the Israeli war cabinet made the right decision by weighing its options before accepting this temporary pause. It should remain clear, however, that Israel's ultimate goal is to eliminate Hamas from the Gaza Strip, and Jerusalem will continue to work toward this end even if that necessitates a resumption of conflict.
  • Pro-Palestine narrative, as provided by Middle East Eye. Israel Defense Forces have inflicted disproportionate damage on the civilians of Gaza as opposed to on Hamas itself, and further assaults could lead to the deaths of many more. Israel has made a wise choice to bring its citizens home immediately through this temporary ceasefire, which should be extended. This will also see much-needed aid reach Gaza, where an utter humanitarian cataclysm has unfolded.

Predictions