Gaza Truce and Hostage Release Delayed
(Source: Hosny Salah)
The announced truce between Israel and Hamas to allow for the release of some hostages – as well as the arrival of humanitarian aid in the Gaza strip – has been delayed.
The truce was reportedly expected to start at 10am on Thursday morning. An anonymous Israeli official has suggested that the delay is due to the fact neither Hamas nor Qatar, who played a vital role in reaching the deal, have signed the agreement.
“The agreement includes the exchange of 50 civilian women and children prisoners in the Gaza Strip in the first phase, in exchange for the release of a number of Palestinian women and children detained in Israeli prisons, provided that the number of those released will be increased in later stages of implementing the agreement,” an official statement by Qatar reads.
The four-day truce, which can be extended if more hostages are released, may start on Friday. The truce and humanitarian aid will provide some temporary reprieve for millions of civilians in Gaza. Attacks are however expected to resume as soon as the truce is over.
Humanitarian Aid for Gaza
Israeli National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said, “The negotiations on the release of our hostages are advancing and continuing constantly. The start of the release will take place according to the original agreement between the sides, and not before Friday.”
Along with Qatar, the United States and Egypt also played a role in reaching the deal. A White House statement, which shows USAID food parcels ready to enter the Gaza Strip through Egypt, reads, “Access to humanitarian aid is critical, and our Administration welcomes yesterday’s deal that’ll allow for additional humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of innocent Palestinian families in Gaza.”
Some sources have reported that as well as food and medicine, the humanitarian aid will include fuel, which is vital for the function of electricity generators in Gaza. Israel had so far vetoed fuel deliveries to the Strip, citing fears Hamas may use it for military purposes.
