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Fragile peace: Hostage exchange deal clears way for Gaza ceasefire despite political resistance

A ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas aims to exchange hostages for Palestinian prisoners, offering a temporary pause to 15 months of conflict.

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Edited By: Muskan Dhami
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Benjamin Netanyahu (File Image)

World: The deal would seal the release of hostages held inside the Gaza Strip, and long in the making, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the deal on Friday, which also comprised a temporary truce, which would bring to an end a 15 months of relentless fight. Netanyahu told that the agreement would be convened by the security Cabinet and by the government as well for final approval.

Terms of the deal

The agreement calls for several critical conditions. Dozens of hostages being held by Hamas militia in Gaza will be traded for Palestinian convicts held inside Israel. There is also to be a truce, so that Palestinians have time to retrieve what's left of their lives in Gaza while the fighting stops, at least partially.

Delays and disputes

Although the deal has recently been announced, its approval was pushed back Thursday by last-minute disagreements between Israel and Hamas. Netanyahu's office accused Hamas of seeking to renegotiate portions of the agreement and win further concessions although details remained unspecific.

Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer claimed that the debates were over the Philadelphi Corridor, which was a critical borderline area next to Egypt. But Hamas has rejected such accusations. "The group is still sticking to the declared ceasefire by the mediators," declared senior Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq.

Opposition within Netanyahu's coalition

The ceasefire has sparked tensions within Netanyahu's far-right coalition, and there are fears that the agreement may not be implemented. Hardline national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has strongly opposed the ceasefire, even threatening to resign if the government approves it. Netanyahu's reliance on his coalition partners makes the political landscape surrounding the agreement precarious.

Violence continues amid ceasefire talks

However, the fighting does not seem to stop. Israeli missile strikes killed at least 72 people in Gaza on Thursday and threw into sharp relief the need for follow-through on the agreement.

Conclusion: A precarious step toward peace

Despite the diplomatic significance of the truce, its successful implementation will depend upon political will on both sides, as well as mutual commitment, to see through the process.The world anxiously awaits how both sides plan to take that crucial step to de-escalate.

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