There has been a flurry of diplomatic efforts at the highest possible level as the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas draws to a close. The Gaza pause has led to a number of hostages being freed by Hamas in exchange for prisoners held by Israel.
Joe Biden has said that his goal is to extend the brief truce which has temporarily managed to halt the hundreds of deaths every day. It has also led to the exchange of hostages and prisoners. The possibility doesn’t appear feasible at the moment as both Hamas and Israel have given their conditions preceding any form of ceasefire.
The Americans were engaged in intense negotiations with Hamas, Qatar, Israel, and other interested groups even as the truce inched toward the final day. The diplomatic efforts intensify with the Gaza pause holding, even as the two warring sides prepare for a 4th swap.
Regular Release Of Hostages Only Hope Of Extension Of Gaza Pause
The only hope is that the temporary Gaza pause could hold for now as long as there is a regular exchange of prisoners. The terrorist group released 17 more victims yesterday including an American girl aged 4 holding dual citizenship.
Biden said at a press conference that his only goal at the moment is to keep extending the Gaza pause to facilitate the release of even more hostages and at the same time push in more humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.
Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, spoke to his American counterpart on Sunday. But he also said that once the truce ended Israel would resume operations with full force and try to achieve its objective of dismantling the Hamas and the rescue and return of all hostages. Hamas has said that it would consider extending the pause if Israel released more prisoners. It appears that the Gaza pause will hold as long as there are regular exchanges from both sides.
