After days of intense negotiations and hopes deferred, Israel and Hamas have finally agreed to a four-day ceasefire in the war in Gaza — a breakthrough that will facilitate the release of dozens of hostages held by militants as well as Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.
While it is too soon to determine whether the truce will bring a permanent end to the ongoing war, the ceasefire will bring a vital influx of aid to the embattled people of Gaza, officials said on Wednesday.
Now in its seventh week, the conflict has seen the destruction of vast swaths of Gaza, brought devastation to the people in the area, and sparked fears of an escalation across the Middle East. The loss of life is such that Gaza health officials say they lost the ability to count dead as the Israeli offensive intensified.
The Persian Gulf nation of Qatar announced the deal for the ceasefire, and Egypt’s state-run Qahera TV channel said the truce would take effect at 10 a.m. local time (0800 GMT) Thursday. Both countries have played a key role in mediating between Israel and Hamas.
According to the sources, fifty hostages will be freed in stages, in exchange for the release of what Hamas said would be 150 Palestinian prisoners. Both sides will let go women and children first, and the supply of humanitarian aid flowing into the besieged territory will be ramped up.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would resume the war after the truce and keep fighting “until we achieve all our goals,” including the destruction of Hamas’ fighting and governing abilities and the return of all hostages.
In anticipation of the truce, conditions are worsening in Gaza. Residents in Gaza City said the fighting there had intensified overnight into Wednesday, with gunfire, heavy artillery and airstrikes in central neighborhoods.
“Apparently they want to advance before the truce,” said Nasser al-Sheikh, who is sheltering with relatives in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood.
