Israel-Hamas Hostage Release Delayed, Families Anxiously Await News
- Posted on November 23, 2023
- International Affairs
- By Arijit Dutta
- 293 Views
The release of 50 hostages in the Israel-Hamas conflict faces a delay until Friday, creating anxiety among families. Tzachi Hanegbi, Israel's National Security Council chairman, confirmed negotiations are ongoing. A temporary truce, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, was announced, with Hamas seeking the release of 150 Palestinian prisoners. Prime Minister Modi welcomed the truce during a virtual G20 Summit, emphasizing the need for humanitarian aid and a 'two-state solution' for regional stability. The conflict, ongoing for 48 days, has claimed over 13,000 Palestinian lives, prompting international concern.
The
Israel-Hamas conflict, now on its 48th day, witnessed a delay in the release of
50 hostages, extending the tension as negotiations continue, according to
Israel's National Security Council chairman, Tzachi Hanegbi. The highly
anticipated hostage release, originally scheduled for Thursday, now awaits
completion of negotiations on Friday. Families of the hostages in Gaza, eagerly
awaiting their return, face heightened desperation amid the delay.
Hanegbi,
a key aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasized that the release
would adhere to the original agreement, dismissing any possibility before
Friday. The protracted negotiations add pressure on Netanyahu to secure the
hostages' freedom. An Israeli official revealed the requirement for both Israel
and Hamas to sign a document ratifying the temporary ceasefire, deviating from
prior discussions. The document is expected to be finalized within 24 hours.
The diplomatic breakthrough in the conflict came with a temporary truce brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. The agreement stipulates the release of 50 hostages by Hamas in exchange for the freedom of 150 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. During the truce, Israeli forces are expected to halt attacks, while Hamas is urged to cease rocket launches. Additionally, Hamas seeks humanitarian aid delivery and fuel to Gaza, with Israel agreeing to supply essential resources.
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In
a surprising move, Hamas, initially proposing a month-long cessation, settled
for a four-day truce. Israel announced a one-day extension for the release of
an additional 10 hostages. Hamas claims control over 210 of the 240 hostages,
with the remaining 30 held by other factions. The conflict, which began on
October 7, resulted in over 13,000 Palestinian casualties, intensifying
concerns about civilian deaths and regional stability.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Israel-Hamas truce during a virtual G20 Summit, welcomed the hostage release. Stressing the condemnation of civilian deaths and the importance of humanitarian aid, Modi urged a 'two-state solution' for the Israel-Palestine conflict. He emphasized diplomatic dialogue to maintain regional stability, highlighting the critical need for swift and sustained assistance during the conflict's delicate truce.