After lengthy talks mediated by Qatar, the US, and Egypt, a temporary ceasefire agreement has been reached between Israel and Hamas, including the release of hostages and prisoners. Under the deal, Hamas will free at least 50 of the more than 240 mostly Israeli hostages they took on 7 October. In return, Israel will release at least 150 Palestinian prisoners and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, which has been under a crippling blockade of essential goods for over six weeks.
The conflict began on 7 October when Hamas launched attacks from Gaza into southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of many civilians and the capture of hostages. The Israeli offensive has killed thousands, including many children, according to Palestinian officials. Despite the ceasefire agreement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that “the war continues.”
A coalition of aid agencies has expressed concerns about the limited time for humanitarian relief during the four-day ceasefire. They argue that a permanent end to the war is necessary for an effective response. Additionally, Palestinian and Israeli officials have shared the names of Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons expected to be released in exchange for Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
The families of hostages in Gaza are eagerly awaiting news of their loved ones’ release, while more than 100 Palestinians were reported killed on Wednesday as Israeli forces continued their attacks across the strip. The head of the UN children’s agency has called Gaza “the most dangerous place in the world to be a child” due to the ongoing conflict.
Meanwhile, the number of journalists killed since the start of the conflict has risen to at least 53. Funerals were held in Beirut on Wednesday for two journalists killed by an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon. The Iran-backed Hezbollah movement has confirmed the deaths of five of its fighters amid skirmishes at the Israel-Lebanon border.
As tensions continue, Israel’s military has intercepted a cruise missile near the southern port city of Eilat. Foreign ministers from Arab and Muslim countries have called on the UN Security Council to demand that Israel lift its blockade on humanitarian aid into Gaza, warning that failing to do so would amount to complicity in war crimes and collective punishment.
Finally, Pope Francis has faced criticism for allegedly drawing equivalence between Israel and Hamas, with remarks made during a meeting with Israeli and Palestinian delegations at the Vatican. The pope’s comments have ignited debate over the nature of the conflict and the suffering experienced by both sides.