The Israel-Hamas hostage deal, a complex and multi-layered diplomatic process, has witnessed the release of 58 hostages in Gaza and 117 Palestinian prisoners since Friday. However, the terms of the deal, set to expire at midnight local time, reveal the intricacies of negotiations. This report highlights the need for a complete ceasefire, emphasizing that a humanitarian pause is insufficient in addressing the underlying issues.

Release Dynamics

Under the terms of the deal, 39 Israeli hostages in Gaza have been released, and in exchange, 117 Palestinians have been freed from Israeli prisons. Notably, a Russian-Israeli, Roni Krivoi, was released by Hamas independently, underscoring the complexity of negotiations. Additionally, separate talks with Hamas led to the release of one Filipino and 17 Thai hostages. While three Israeli hostages were released ahead of the deal, a fourth was rescued by the Israeli military. The initial aftermath of the October 7 attacks saw around 240 people believed to be held hostage in Gaza.

 Humanitarian Concerns

Of significant concern is the fact that many released Palestinians from Israeli prisons have never been charged with a crime yet have endured years of imprisonment. Disturbingly, a considerable number of these individuals are children. This raises questions about the legal justifications for their detention and the broader humanitarian implications of such practices. During a spirited atmosphere in Beitunia, near Israel’s formidable Ofer Prison in the West Bank, a palpable tension pervaded the scene. The Israeli government had issued orders to halt the celebrations marking a release, prompting a clash between jubilant crowds and Israeli security forces. Tear gas canisters were deployed, dispersing the gathering, and leaving a disconcerting sight of fleeing individuals—men, women, and children—amidst tears and cries of pain. “The army is trying to take this moment away from us, but they can’t,” expressed Mays Foqaha, embracing her just-freed 18-year-old friend, Nour al-Taher from Nablus, arrested during a protest at the Al Aqsa Mosque. For Abdulqader Khatib, a U.N. worker whose son remained in “administrative detention” without charges, conflicting emotions surfaced: “As a Palestinian, my heart breaks for my brothers in Gaza, so I can’t truly celebrate. But I am a father, and deep inside, I am very happy.” This complex mix of emotions encapsulated the conflicting sentiments of a community torn between elation and anguish in a moment of perceived triumph.

Ceasefire Imperative

It is crucial to acknowledge that a mere humanitarian pause, as suggested by some, is not sufficient to address the underlying issues. The cycle of violence and hostage situations requires a comprehensive ceasefire. The EU foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrell, has rightly called for an extension of the temporary ceasefire in Gaza, urging for sustainability and a focus on a political solution. The continuous release of hostages and prisoners highlights the urgency for a lasting peace agreement.

Recommendations

1. Advocate for a Total Ceasefire: The international community should press for a complete ceasefire, emphasizing the importance of addressing root causes and promoting a sustainable peace process.

2. Humanitarian Review of Detentions: A comprehensive review of the legal justifications for the detention of Palestinians in Israeli prisons, especially those never charged with a crime, is imperative to ensure adherence to international human rights standards.

3. Inclusive Diplomacy: Engage all relevant parties in diplomatic efforts to foster a lasting peace agreement, recognizing the multi-layered nature of the conflict and the diverse interests involved.

 While the release of hostages’ marks progress, the region urgently requires a comprehensive ceasefire. The Amman Center for Human Rights Studies emphasizes this urgency, calling for a full ceasefire, not a humanitarian pause. Only through an inclusive diplomatic approach and a commitment to humanitarian principles can a sustainable and just peace be achieved in the region.

Sources

Debre, Isabel. 2023. “Palestinian families rejoice over release of minors and women in wartime prisoner swap”. AP News. November 25th. Accessed November 27th, 2023. https://apnews.com/article/palestinians-israel-prisoner-exchange-hostage-92545883b1fef86fb9b34549b7deca58

Masoud, Bassam & Maayan Lubell. 2023.” Gaza truce holds as more Israeli hostages, Palestinian prisoners set for release”. Reuters. November 25th. Accessed November 27th, 2023. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-receives-list-hostages-be-released-saturday-by-hamas-2023-11-24/

Ted Regencia et.al., 2023.” Israel-Hamas war: Calls grow to extend truce in its final day”. Al Jazeera. November 27th. Accessed November 27th, 2023. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2023/11/27/israel-hamas-war-live-calls-to-extend-truce-grow-as-captives-released

Tharoor, Ishaan. 2023. “Israel has utterly devastated Gaza”. The Washington Post. November 22nd. Accessed November 27th, 2023. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/11/22/gaza-destruction-destroy-israel-strikes-reconstruction/