Gaza Temporary Ceasefire Delayed Until Friday

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Nov 23, 2023

Image copyright: Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images News [via Getty Images]story last updated Nov 23, 2023

The Facts

The four-day cease-fire that will see Israel and Hamas exchange 50 hostages held in Gaza for 150 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails alongside an increase in humanitarian aid into the besieged strip has been delayed until Friday, according to Qatar's Foreign Ministry.
A spokesman for the ministry detailed on Thursday that the truce will go into effect at 7 a.m., both north and south of the enclave, with 13 hostages — all of them women and children — being handed to the Red Cross at about 4 p.m. The exact number of Palestinian prisoners to be freed on Friday remains unclear.

The Spin

Pro-Israel narrative

While freeing hostages is of the utmost importance, Israel must not succumb to unfair international pressure. Hamas has a history of forcing uneven deals, and the Israeli war cabinet made the right decision by weighing its options before accepting this temporary pause. It should remain clear, however, that Israel's ultimate goal is to eliminate Hamas from the Gaza Strip, and Jerusalem will continue to work toward this end.

Jerusalem Post

Pro-Palestine narrative

Though the Israel Defense Forces are making steady progress on the ground, a tactical assault on Hamas to free the captives could lead to the deaths of many more. Israel has made a wise choice to bring its citizens home immediately through this temporary ceasefire. This will also see much-needed aid reach Gaza, where an utter humanitarian cataclysm is unfolding.