Israel, Hamas Agree to 2-Day Ceasefire Extension

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Nov 27, 2023

Image copyright: Spencer Platt/Getty Images News via Getty Imagesstory last updated Nov 27, 2023

The Facts

Israel and Hamas reached an agreement on Monday to extend the so-called humanitarian pause in Gaza for an additional two days — allowing more hostage-prisoner swaps and more aid to enter the Palestinian enclave.
Both sides confirmed the extension, which was first announced by the spokesperson for the Qatari foreign ministry, under the same conditions previously agreed upon. Hamas will release 10 hostages each day, with Israel vowing to agree to further extensions if the group makes good on the deal.

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 even if that necessitates a resumption of conflict.

Jerusalem Post

Pro-Palestine narrative

Israel Defense Forces have inflicted disproportionate damage on the civilians of Gaza as opposed to on Hamas itself, and further assaults could lead to the deaths of many more. Israel has made a wise choice to bring its citizens home immediately through this temporary ceasefire, which should be extended. This will also see much-needed aid reach Gaza, where an utter humanitarian cataclysm has unfolded.