A ceasefire has been declared between Israel and Hamas, marking a potential turning point in the Middle East. While Palestinians in Gaza are celebrating, Israelis are shocked and angered, recognising the potential long-term consequences. Palestinian media is portraying this as a significant defeat for Israel. This ceasefire, brokered by the US, will unfold in three phases: a prisoner exchange, a permanent cessation of hostilities, and a comprehensive agreement addressing Gaza’s future.
The prisoner exchange involves the release of 33 Israeli captives, including women, children, and civilians over 50, held since the 2023 Hamas attack, in return for a large number of Palestinian prisoners. This exchange has angered many in Israel. Egypt, Qatar, and the US will monitor the temporary ceasefire. Israelis fear that Hamas will regain strength after the withdrawal of Israeli forces and potentially launch another attack, requiring a new operation in Gaza. The Israel Defence Forces(IDF) has announced “Operation Wings of Freedom,” focusing on rescuing hostages.
The 18-month conflict has taken a toll on Israel, with significant casualties and the deployment of civilians as soldiers. Both Trump and Biden are vying for credit for the ceasefire. Trump claims his pressure on Netanyahu led to the deal, while Biden dismisses this as a joke. The ceasefire is expected to have a positive impact globally, including on the US stock market, as it reduces the risk of wider regional conflict involving Iran and potentially disrupting the planned India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. However, this positive impact may be temporary, as Hamas could regroup and launch future attacks on Israel.
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