A long-standing commitment
The UN has regularly tried to call for an end to disproportionate strikes under international humanitarian law in the Gaza strip. Calls for the protection of civilians and an end to the blockade of Gaza have often been ignored or deemed insufficient by the Israeli authorities. After two years of mutual attacks, UN has been criticized for its ineffectiveness.
Reason for Delay
According to Tel Aviv, the delay was due Hamas not having submitted the list of the names of first hostages in time. This was explained by the Palestinian Islamist movement as a technical problem. Israeli’s army then carried out strikes in the north of Gaza, killing 8 people.
Three phases of the agreement
The first phase is intended to last six weeks. 33 Israeli hostages will be released in return for an exchange of palestinian detainees and an increase in humanitarian aid. The first lorries carrying humanitarian aid have entered the Gaza region giving hope to the population. Concerning th other two phases, they remain unclear. The outcome of the first stage is still awaited, according to the FMES (Mediterranean Foundation for Strategic Studies). Next steps would include the departure of the remaining Israeli forces from Gaza, the return of the bodies of the hostage who died in captivity, and a permanent ceasefire (according to Biden).
Nevertheless, Israel retains the right to resume the war against Hamas at any time with the support of the United States, declared Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The question of the United States arises with the new president Donald Trump.
The reaction to this agreement
Not everyone is satisfied with this agreement, especially the most radicals. Some have made this known even before it came into force. The extreme right-wing party « Force Juive » considered this agreement to be scandalous. Most are waiting for Trump’s reaction and for the second phase. Indeed, it could lead to a coalition against Prime Minister Netanyahu.
The future remains to be seen. It is a first step towards ending the conflict, but is also raises questions about its stability.
