The anticipated four-day truce in the Israel-Gaza conflict, along with the release of hostages, is facing a setback as Israeli national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi reveals that the pause in hostilities will not commence until at least Friday.
The delay is a blow to the families eagerly awaiting the return of their loved ones and to the two million-plus Gazans yearning for an end to the seven-week-long war.
Continued Negotiations for Hostage Release:
Hanegbi assured that the release of at least 50 Israeli and foreign hostages held by Hamas is progressing, but the agreed-upon commencement date is maintained as Friday at the earliest.
The delay, however, raises concerns about implementing the carefully crafted deal and the reasons behind the postponement.
The Intricacies of the Deal:
The deal involves a four-day truce between Israel and Hamas, with the release of hostages taken in the October 7 attacks. For every additional 10 hostages released, an extra day of “pause” in fighting is agreed upon.
Simultaneously, Israel commits to releasing at least 150 Palestinian women and children and allowing more humanitarian aid into Gaza. The delay in execution raises questions about potential complications or breakdowns in the agreement’s implementation.
Opposition and Vow for Continued Campaign:
Despite opposition from some in Israel’s hard-right government, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports the agreement brokered by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt.
Netanyahu emphasizes that the truce is temporary and does not signal an end to the campaign to destroy Hamas, stating, “We are winning and will continue to fight until absolute victory.”
Hezbollah Tensions on Northern Border:
Tensions rise on Israel’s northern border as Hezbollah reports the death of five fighters, including the son of a senior lawmaker, in an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon.
The incident fuels concerns that the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict could escalate into a broader conflagration, prompting the White House to emphasize the importance of maintaining calm along the Lebanese border.
