Following a Hamas attack on Israel, resulting in significant Israeli casualties and the capture of hundreds of hostages, a ceasefire agreement was brokered with Hamas’s cooperation. The deal involves a phased prisoner exchange, with Israel releasing Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli hostages. The agreement also includes provisions for humanitarian aid to Gaza and the establishment of a buffer zone. The agreement’s terms are controversial within Israel, generating debate and political pressure on Prime Minister Netanyahu. Finally, the article speculates on future US and Israeli actions in the Middle East.

Study Guide: The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and Recent Events

Quiz

Instructions: Answer each question in 2-3 sentences based on the provided source material.

1. What event triggered the recent escalation of conflict between Israel and Hamas, according to the text?
2. What was the initial demand made by the US President Donald Trump, and what was its connection to the events in the text?
3. What are the primary elements of the peace deal reached, including the key exchange?
4. According to the text, why are some Israeli government officials not fully supportive of the peace deal?
5. What was the role of international actors such as the United States, Egypt, and Qatar in this situation?
6. How does the text characterize the differing perspectives on who achieved “success” in the recent conflict?
7. What does the text suggest about the long-term implications of the conflict on the two-state solution?
8. How many Palestinian prisoners are slated to be released according to the text, and how many of them are Hamas members accused of terrorism?
9. According to the text, what does the conflict appear to be setting the stage for in terms of regional power dynamics and future actions against other groups or nations?
10. What was a key motivating factor for Hamas in agreeing to the deal, and what does the text say was the primary goal of Israel in the negotiation?

Quiz Answer Key

1. The recent escalation of conflict was triggered when Hamas entered Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 Israelis and kidnapping 250 non-combatants. This attack, according to the text, took place on the Day of Peace and included killing innocent people and non-combatants and taking them to Gaza.
2. The text states that President Donald Trump demanded the release of “my Iqbali,” threatening to make the world “a hell” if his demand was not met. This threat is what the text identifies as the reason for the acceleration of events between Hamas and Israel.
3. The peace deal includes a six-week ceasefire, the release of 33 Israeli prisoners (including women, children, and the elderly) in exchange for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners (including 250 Hamas members accused of terrorism), and a controlled reopening of humanitarian aid routes to Gaza. The text says that Israel will blockade the populated areas of Gaza but will remain in the 800 meter buffer zone.
4. Some Israeli government officials, particularly the National Security Minister and Finance Minister, believe the deal wastes the “success” achieved in the conflict, specifically that they fear the release of Hamas prisoners. They see it as a betrayal of the efforts made in the previous 15 months of conflict.
5. The US, Egypt, and Qatar played a supervisory role in brokering the peace deal. The text states that the Biden administration has been involved, and the international brotherhood, including the EU, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have all welcomed this ceasefire.
6. Hamas is celebrating what they claim as having maintained their old status and securing the release of their fighters. Meanwhile, Israel is celebrating the release of their prisoners and what they see as a reduction of Hamas’s future capacity to harm them.
7. The text suggests that the conflict has destroyed the “two-state perspective,” indicating that the possibility of a lasting resolution based on separate states for Israelis and Palestinians is currently ruined. The text indicates it has destroyed the entire existence of this plan.
8. According to the text, 2,000 Palestinian prisoners are to be released, including 250 Hamas members who were accused of terrorism and sentenced in Israeli courts. The text does specify that 250 Hamas members are terrorists.
9. The text suggests the conflict is setting the stage for the US and Israel to address Iran’s influence in the region, including its role in Lebanon and Syria. It is also going to focus on the Yemeni Houthi rebels.
10. Hamas’s key motivating factor was to maintain its status in the future and secure the release of as many of its fighters as possible. Israel’s primary goal in negotiations was the release of its own captured citizens from Hamas.

Essay Questions

1. Analyze the perspectives of both the Israeli and Palestinian sides in the conflict based on the information given. Explore the strategic goals of each side, and explain why a lasting peace has been so elusive.
2. Discuss the role of international powers, such as the US and the European Union, in the conflict and peace process. How do their interventions shape the outcomes of the conflict, and what are their motivations?
3. Evaluate the effectiveness of the peace deal presented in the text. Consider the immediate terms of the agreement as well as the long-term implications for both Israelis and Palestinians.
4. Examine the ways in which the media coverage and public statements, specifically those from various involved governments, affect public perception and the ongoing political dynamics within the region.
5. Considering the implications of this specific event, how does the conflict fit into the broader context of regional and international power dynamics? What trends can you identify, and what future conflicts or solutions might they suggest?

Glossary of Key Terms

• Hamas: A Palestinian Sunni-Islamist fundamentalist militant organization that is considered a terrorist organization by Israel and other countries and governs the Gaza Strip.
• Gaza Strip: A self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea that borders Egypt and Israel.
• Two-State Solution: The idea of having two independent states in the region of Israel and Palestine, one for Israelis and one for Palestinians.
• Ceasefire: A temporary cessation of fighting, agreed upon by all parties involved in conflict.
• Phila Delphi Corridor: A narrow strip of land along the border between Egypt and the Gaza Strip that is a key point for border control and trade.
• Rafah Crossing: The primary land crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip.
• Mujahideen: A term used to refer to people engaged in Jihad, usually understood as a struggle or fight against an enemy of Islam.
• Naqshbandi Action: The text refers to this as a specific event which triggered the most recent conflict in the text; the context seems to indicate an attack that happened on October 7th.
• Malians (Malian): The text appears to be using this term to refer to individuals captured or held captive during the conflict, but this is not the most common use of this term. Most common use of the word Malian means someone who is from Mali.
• Buffer Zone: An area established to separate opposing forces, providing a space to help prevent direct conflict. In this text, it refers to the 800-meter-wide area on the eastern side of Gaza.

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire: A Fragile Peace

Okay, here’s a briefing document summarizing the key themes and information from the provided text:

Briefing Document: Analysis of “Pasted Text”

Date: October 26, 2023 (Based on context)

Subject: Analysis of a conflict situation in the Middle East, focusing on a ceasefire agreement and its context.

Executive Summary:

This document analyzes a news report detailing a complex conflict involving Israel, Hamas, and various international actors. The report focuses on the aftermath of a Hamas attack on Israel, Israel’s retaliatory actions, and a subsequent ceasefire agreement brokered by international mediators. Key themes include the human cost of the conflict, the political pressures on leaders, and the complex interplay of international interests. The narrative is presented from a perspective sympathetic to the Israeli position.

Key Themes and Analysis:

1. The Genesis of Conflict: Hamas Attack and Israeli Response:

• Hamas Attack: The conflict was triggered by a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis, labeled “innocent Shari’in,” celebrating “the Day of Peace.” The text emphasizes the brutality of this attack, including the kidnapping of 250 non-combatants: “They killed them mercilessly and kidnapped 250 non-combatant Jews and took them to Gaza. These included children, old people and young women.”
• Israeli Retaliation: Israel responded by entering Gaza, targeting Hamas militants, and causing extensive damage. The text highlights the civilian casualties in Gaza, stating that “thousands of innocent people… Palestinian Arabs were also becoming victims, including women and children, undoubtedly.” The casualty figures given for Palestinians are 4,644 dead and over 500,000 injured. However, the source also claims Israel killed around 177,000 “terrorists belonging to Hamas.” The text also stresses the severe destruction of Gaza stating that “Israel has turned Gaza into a ruin whose construction will take nine years.”

1. International Mediation and Ceasefire Agreement:

• Negotiations: Mediated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, a peace deal was reached with a ceasefire set to begin on January 19th. The talks were held in Doha, and the text describes the negotiators as a “crowd of Muzakis… who have proved to be extremely fruitless.” The agreement suggests that the negotiations were extremely complicated.
• Ceasefire Terms: The deal involves a phased approach. The first phase includes a six-week ceasefire, the release of 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 33 Israeli prisoners held by Hamas. It also stipulates Israeli forces will move to a buffer zone on Gaza’s eastern border. Israel will also open roads to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
• Prisoner Release Details: The exchange of prisoners is a major focus. The report states that Israel will release “250 Palestinians from Hama who have been accused of terrorism,” while Hamas will release 33 Israelis, including children, the elderly, the wounded, the sick and women. It further mentions that 34 “gardeners” were killed, whose bodies will be returned in a later phase, and 27 others released by Hamas. The mention of gardeners suggests a potential distinction between civilians and soldiers/militants held by Hamas, with an implication that the latter are more expendable.

1. Political Pressures and Internal Conflicts:

• Netanyahu’s Dilemma: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu faces pressure from within his own government, specifically from the National Security Minister and Finance Minister, who view the prisoner release as a “waste” of gains made in the conflict. The text suggests internal debate in Israel, with some questioning the value of exchanging potentially dangerous Hamas militants for Israelis.
• External Pressure: Netanyahu is also under pressure from the families of the hostages and the general Israeli public to secure their release. The text frames this pressure as being essential to “save his country at any cost.”
• Trump’s Role: The report highlights Donald Trump’s role in the peace deal, suggesting he was the first to announce it and was thanked by Netanyahu. Trump’s involvement is emphasized and framed as crucial to the deal’s existence. Trump reportedly characterized the deal as a victory against “terrorists in the Middle East.”

1. Longer-Term Implications and Geopolitical Context:

• Future Goals: The report speculates on the future aims of the US and Israel, suggesting they intend to free the Iranian people from “religious oppression” and target Iranian forces in Lebanon and Syria. This highlights that the conflict has regional implications that extend beyond the immediate Israeli-Palestinian issue. It also notes that Yemeni Houthi rebels are expected to be a future target of Israel.
• Hamas’ Future: The report suggests Israel intends to diminish Hamas’s power by cutting off supply lines, and weakening their capacity for future attacks. The source seems to believe that “after getting rid of all its wealth, the Israelis will make Hamas take over the throne.” This assertion is unclear, as the author does not seem to believe this is a good thing for Palestinians. The text’s skepticism regarding the success of the peace deal is evident.
• Comparison to Past Events: The situation with the Israeli hostages is compared to the 52 American hostages held in Iran in 1980, highlighting the difficult decisions and political ramifications of hostage situations. This comparison frames the current events in a historical context, suggesting that past patterns are repeating.

1. Conflicting Perceptions of Victory

• The report notes that both Hamas and Israel are celebrating the outcome as a victory. Israel’s success is framed as achieving the release of their people and weakening Hamas. However, the author implies that Hamas’ celebration is less understandable, questioning what aspect they would perceive as a success.

Concluding Remarks:

The provided text offers a specific perspective on the complex situation in the Middle East. It emphasizes the Israeli perspective, portraying Hamas as aggressors and highlighting the immense destruction they have caused. The report showcases the complex negotiations and pressures involved in reaching the ceasefire agreement, suggesting there are both internal and external factors at play. The future stability of the region remains uncertain, with several potential conflict areas and targets indicated. The text portrays the overall deal as a fragile agreement that may not result in long-term stability.

Further Analysis:

• It would be beneficial to analyze sources that provide alternative viewpoints, particularly those of Palestinians and other international observers, to get a more holistic perspective on this conflict.
• The political background of the source is important to consider when evaluating the claims made in the text.
• Analyzing this conflict requires recognizing the deeper historical grievances and the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.

Israel-Gaza Conflict: Ceasefire Agreement and Aftermath

FAQ on Recent Israel-Gaza Conflict and Ceasefire Agreement

1. What triggered the recent escalation of conflict between Israel and Hamas? The conflict was triggered by Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, where they killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped around 250 non-combatants (including children, elderly, and women) taking them to Gaza. This attack led to Israel launching military operations in Gaza, targeting Hamas and resulting in widespread casualties and devastation.
2. What are the key terms of the recent ceasefire agreement? The ceasefire agreement, brokered by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, includes a three-phase approach. The first phase involves a six-week ceasefire during which Israel will release 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 33 Israeli prisoners (including women, children, and the sick) held by Hamas. Israel will also withdraw from some areas in Gaza while maintaining an 800-meter buffer zone, open the Rafah crossing for aid, allow injured Palestinians to seek treatment and allow the return of displaced Palestinians.
3. How is the release of prisoners being structured in this deal? In the first phase of the deal, Israel will release 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including some accused of terrorism, and Hamas will release 33 Israeli prisoners, who include children, the elderly, the wounded, the sick and women. The deal also mentions that the bodies of 34 Israeli gardeners killed by Hamas will be returned in later phases, with a total of 27 gardeners already released. The release of prisoners is a complex issue with Hamas attempting to ensure the release of as many of their prisoners as possible while Israel focuses on the return of its own citizens.
4. What is the state of Gaza after the conflict and what kind of aid is being provided? Gaza has suffered massive destruction. It has been described as a ruin, with reconstruction estimated to take nine years. While the US and EU have pledged significant financial aid, the immense damage will require a massive amount of funds for complete restoration. The ceasefire deal includes allowing more relief trucks and fuel tankers to enter Gaza and for the provision of medical and relief supplies, which will be essential for the recovery.
5. What were the main negotiating goals of Hamas and Israel during the ceasefire talks? Hamas’ primary focus was on maintaining its status in the region and securing the release of as many of its captured members as possible. Israel’s main objective was the release of their captured citizens and minimizing the future threat posed by Hamas. The negotiations were complex, with both sides seeking to maximize their gains.
6. How is this ceasefire deal perceived within Israel and is there any opposition? While the Israeli government, particularly Prime Minister Netanyahu, is under pressure to bring home the captured Israelis, there is internal opposition. Some right-wing politicians within the government believe that releasing Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israelis undermines their previous military victories. There’s public concern over releasing Hamas fighters in exchange for Israelis, raising questions about the value of their military operations.
7. What is the broader regional and international response to the ceasefire? The international community, including the EU, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and China, have welcomed the ceasefire. The deal is also being seen as a potential shift in regional dynamics, with the United States having a key role as mediator. The agreement has also included the potential for future measures targeting Iranian influence in the region, specifically in Lebanon and Syria.
8. What is the future outlook for the region, and what might be the implications of this conflict and ceasefire agreement? The conflict has severely damaged the two-state solution concept. Israel has weakened Hamas by cutting off their supply lines, making it more difficult for the group to launch attacks in the future. There also seems to be anticipation in the text of the future U.S./Israeli policy of acting against the Iranian religious regime which is seen as oppressing its own people. Further potential targets mentioned are the Yemeni Houthi rebels. The long term outcome depends on the implementation of the ceasefire deal, and the future relationships between Israel and its neighbors and a solution to the Palestinian question.

Gaza Conflict: Ceasefire and Future Implications

The provided text details aspects of the Gaza conflict, including its origins, key events, and a recent ceasefire agreement. Here’s a breakdown:

• Origins and Escalation: The conflict escalated after Hamas entered Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 Israelis and kidnapping 250 non-combatants [1]. This attack is described as occurring on the “Day of Peace” and is also referred to as the “Naqshbandi action” [1]. In response, Israel launched a military operation in Gaza [1].
• Casualties and Destruction: The conflict resulted in a large number of casualties, with a reported 4,644 Palestinians killed and over 500,000 injured, according to the Ministry of Health [1]. Israel claims to have killed around 177,000 Hamas terrorists [1]. The text also notes that Israel has turned Gaza into a ruin that will take nine years to rebuild [1].
• Ceasefire Agreement: A ceasefire agreement was reached, brokered by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, with a start date of January 19 [1]. The deal involves a three-phase process:
• Phase 1: A six-week ceasefire where Israel will release 2,000 Palestinian prisoners (including 250 Hamas members accused of terrorism) in exchange for 33 Israeli prisoners, including children, the elderly, the wounded, the sick and women [1].
• Movement and Aid: Israeli forces will move out of populated areas of Gaza but remain in an 800-meter buffer zone on the eastern side [1]. The Rafah road to Egypt will be opened for aid trucks, fuel, and medical supplies [1]. Injured Palestinians will be allowed to go to other countries and Palestinians who fled their homes will be accommodated [1].
• Conflicting Views on Success: The text suggests that both Hamas and Israel have viewed this deal as a success, each celebrating at different locations. The author notes that Israel’s celebration is understandable in that they have secured the release of some hostages and believe they have damaged Hamas and its ability to attack in the future. However, the text questions what exactly Hamas is celebrating [1].
• Political Ramifications: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu faced opposition from members of his government regarding the prisoner release, which was seen as undermining the gains made in the conflict [1]. There was also internal debate within Israel regarding the exchange of Palestinian prisoners for Israeli “gardeners”, suggesting a civilian, non-combatant status of the Israeli prisoners [1]. The deal is compared to the release of 52 American hostages in Iran during the Carter administration [1].
• Future Conflicts: The text suggests that the US and Israel intend to target Iranian forces in Lebanon and Syria and that the Yemeni Houthi rebels are also expected to be an Israeli target [1]. Additionally, the supply lines of Hamas have been cut, and after the conflict Israel intends for Hamas to take over the throne, creating a situation where the Palestinians have no choice but to be led by Hamas [1].

Overall, the text portrays a complex and multifaceted conflict with significant human costs and political implications, with an outlook for further conflicts in the future [1].

Gaza Ceasefire Agreement: Terms and Reactions

The provided text details a recent peace deal, focusing on the terms of the agreement and the political reactions to it [1]. Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects:

• Ceasefire Agreement: A ceasefire agreement was reached under the supervision of the US, Egypt, and Qatar, with a start date of January 19 [1].
• Three-Phase Deal: The deal is structured in three phases [1]:
• Phase One: A six-week ceasefire is implemented [1]. During this period, Israel will release 2,000 Palestinian prisoners [1]. This includes 250 Hamas members accused of terrorism and sentenced to heavy terms in Israeli courts [1]. In exchange, Hamas will release 33 Israeli prisoners [1]. These 33 include children, the elderly, the wounded, the sick, and women [1].
• Movement and Aid: Israeli forces will withdraw from the populated areas of Gaza but will remain in an 800-meter buffer zone on the eastern side of Gaza [1]. The Rafah road to Egypt will be opened to allow 600 trucks carrying aid, medical supplies, and fuel into Gaza [1]. Injured Palestinians will be allowed to seek treatment in other countries, and Palestinians who fled from their homes will be accommodated [1].
• The text mentions that 34 “gardeners” have been killed whose bodies will be returned in the next phase, while about 27 “gardeners” have been released [1].
• Political Ramifications:Internal Israeli Conflict: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu faced opposition from his right wing government regarding the prisoner release, specifically from the National Security Minister and Finance Minister [1]. These ministers believe that the success achieved after 15 months of conflict should not be undermined by the release of prisoners [1]. There was also internal debate regarding the exchange of Palestinian prisoners for Israeli “gardeners”, who were civilian non-combatants [1].
• Hamas’s Objectives: Hamas’s main focus in the negotiations was to maintain its status in the future setup and ensure the release of as many of its captured members as possible [1].
• Netanyahu’s Pressure: Netanyahu faced pressure from the families of the captured Israelis and the public to secure their release [1].
• Comparison to Previous Hostage Release: The deal is compared to the release of 52 American hostages in Iran during the Carter administration, which also occurred at the end of his presidency [1].
• International Response: The international community, including the European Union, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, has welcomed the ceasefire [1].
• Conflicting Views on Success: Both Hamas and Israel have presented the deal as a success [1]. Israel believes it has weakened Hamas and secured the release of some of its people, while the text questions the basis of Hamas’s celebration [1].
• Future Conflicts: The text indicates that despite this deal, the US and Israel intend to target Iranian forces in Lebanon and Syria, and the Yemeni Houthi rebels are also expected to be an Israeli target [1]. The supply lines of Hamas have been cut, and the intention is that after the conflict Israel will put Hamas in power, creating a situation where the Palestinians have no choice but to be led by Hamas [1].

Israel-Hamas Prisoner Exchange

The provided text details a prisoner exchange that is part of a larger ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas [1]. Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects of the prisoner exchange:

• Terms of the Exchange:Israel will release 2,000 Palestinian prisoners [1]. This includes 250 Hamas members who have been accused of terrorism and sentenced in Israeli courts [1].
• In return, Hamas will release 33 Israeli prisoners [1]. These include women, children, the sick and wounded, and the elderly [1].
• Phased Release: The prisoner exchange is part of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement, which involves a six-week ceasefire [1].
• Other Hostages: The text also mentions that 34 “gardeners” were killed and their bodies will be returned in a later phase of the deal and that 27 “gardeners” have been released [1].
• Negotiating Positions:Hamas’s priority in the negotiations was to secure the release of as many of their members as possible and to maintain its position in the future [1].
• Israel’s primary goal was the release of its own people [1].
• Internal Conflict in Israel:Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu faced opposition from his own government regarding the release of Palestinian prisoners [1].
• Some members of his government felt that releasing prisoners undermined the progress made in the conflict [1].
• There was also internal debate about exchanging Palestinian prisoners for Israeli “gardeners” who were seen as innocent non-combatants [1].
• Public Pressure: Netanyahu was under significant pressure from the families of the captured Israelis and the general public to secure their release [1].
• Comparison to Past Event: The prisoner exchange is compared to the release of 52 American hostages from Iran during the Carter administration, which also occurred at the end of his presidency [1].

In summary, the prisoner exchange is a key component of the ceasefire agreement, involving a significant number of Palestinian prisoners being released in exchange for a smaller number of Israeli hostages. This exchange has caused internal political conflict within Israel. [1].

Hamas’s October 2023 Attack on Israel

The provided text describes Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, as a pivotal event that escalated the conflict in Gaza [1]. Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects:

• Nature of the Attack: Hamas entered Israel and killed 1,200 Israelis [1]. This attack occurred on what is described as the “Day of Peace” and is also referred to as the “Naqshbandi action” [1]. The text states that the Israelis were killed “mercilessly” [1]. In addition to the deaths, Hamas kidnapped 250 non-combatant Jews, including children, the elderly, and young women, taking them to Gaza [1].
• Impact of the Attack: This attack served as the catalyst for Israel’s military operation in Gaza [1]. The scale and nature of the attack are presented as the justification for the subsequent conflict, during which Israel aimed to target and eliminate the Hamas terrorists [1].
• Motivation and Objectives: The text suggests that Hamas’s main focus in the subsequent negotiations for a ceasefire was to maintain its status and ensure the release of as many of its captured members as possible [1]. The text questions what exactly Hamas was celebrating in the aftermath of the peace deal, while acknowledging that Israel’s celebration was understandable, given that it secured the release of some hostages and damaged Hamas [1].
• Aftermath: According to the text, after the conflict, Israel intends to put Hamas in power, creating a situation where the Palestinians have no choice but to be led by Hamas [1].

The text emphasizes the brutality of the Hamas attack and its role in triggering the intense conflict in Gaza. It also highlights the political ramifications of the attack, leading to internal debates within Israel regarding the appropriate response and negotiations for a ceasefire [1].

Israel’s Response to the Hamas Attack of 2023

Based on the provided text, here’s a breakdown of Israel’s response to the Hamas attack:

• Military Operation: Following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, where 1,200 Israelis were killed and 250 non-combatants were kidnapped [1], Israel launched a military operation in Gaza [1]. The text notes that this operation aimed to target and eliminate Hamas terrorists [1].
• Casualties and Destruction: The conflict resulted in a large number of casualties. The text states that according to the Ministry of Health, 4,644 Palestinians were killed and over 500,000 were injured. Israel, however, claims to have killed around 177,000 Hamas terrorists [1]. The text also notes that Israel has turned Gaza into a “ruin” that will take nine years to rebuild [1].
• Ceasefire Agreement: A ceasefire agreement was eventually reached, brokered by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, with a start date of January 19 [1]. This deal includes a three-phase process [1]:
• Phase One: A six-week ceasefire during which Israel will release 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 Hamas members accused of terrorism, in exchange for 33 Israeli prisoners held by Hamas. This exchange includes women, children, the sick and wounded, and the elderly [1].
• Movement and Aid: Israeli forces will withdraw from populated areas of Gaza but will remain in an 800-meter buffer zone on the eastern side of Gaza. The Rafah road to Egypt will be opened to allow aid trucks, fuel, and medical supplies into Gaza [1]. Injured Palestinians will be allowed to seek treatment in other countries, and Palestinians who fled from their homes will be accommodated [1].
• Political Ramifications:Internal Conflict: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu faced opposition from his own government regarding the prisoner release, with some members believing it undermined the progress made in the conflict. There was also internal debate about exchanging Palestinian prisoners for Israeli “gardeners,” who were seen as innocent non-combatants [1].
• Netanyahu’s Pressure: Netanyahu was under significant pressure from the families of the captured Israelis and the general public to secure their release [1].
• Goals and Perceptions: The text suggests that Israel views the peace deal as a success because it has secured the release of some of its people and believes it has damaged Hamas and its ability to attack in the future. The text questions what exactly Hamas is celebrating, while acknowledging that Israel’s celebration is understandable [1].
• Future Plans: The text indicates that the US and Israel intend to target Iranian forces in Lebanon and Syria and that the Yemeni Houthi rebels are also expected to be an Israeli target. Additionally, the supply lines of Hamas have been cut, and after the conflict, Israel intends for Hamas to take over the throne, creating a situation where the Palestinians have no choice but to be led by Hamas [1].

In summary, Israel’s response to the Hamas attack involved a large-scale military operation, which caused significant casualties and destruction in Gaza, followed by a negotiated ceasefire that included a prisoner exchange and the delivery of humanitarian aid. The response also led to internal political conflict within Israel and has long-term implications for the region, according to the text [1].

By Amjad Izhar
Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
https://amjadizhar.blog

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