NEW DELHI: In a significant development, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire, halting weeks of intense violence in Gaza and southern Israel. US President Donald Trump played a crucial role in brokering the agreement, hailing it as a “significant diplomatic victory.” Speaking on the deal, Trump tweeted, “We have a deal. This is a big step toward peace, but the road ahead is still long.” He emphasized that such agreements require courage and compromise on both sides.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, expressed cautious optimism, stating, “The ceasefire is not complete, and there are still critical security concerns that need to be addressed.” Netanyahu hinted at potential future challenges, stressing that while the agreement is a step forward, Israel’s strategic objectives remain unchanged.
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The ceasefire deal includes an exchange of prisoners and hostages. Media reports have largely described it as a “prisoner exchange,” but in reality, the deal involves Israel releasing numerous Palestinian detainees in exchange for Israeli hostages held by Hamas. While this exchange brings relief to many families, it has drawn criticism, with some perceiving the arrangement as one-sided.
Critics argue that the deal disproportionately favors Hamas, as the group has secured the release of many individuals without disclosing full details about its concessions. This perception has fueled debates within Israel about the strategic value of the agreement.
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Amid the public details, there is speculation about an undisclosed aspect of the deal that benefits Israel. Analysts suggest that this may involve intelligence-sharing or guarantees related to Gaza’s security infrastructure, but no official confirmation has been made. This ambiguity leaves many questioning whether Israel secured sufficient leverage in the negotiations.
The ceasefire provides temporary relief to a region scarred by violence, but questions linger about its sustainability. For Gaza residents, the deal brings a fragile respite, while in Israel, concerns about long-term security remain paramount. International observers, including Trump, have highlighted the need for ongoing dialogue to ensure the ceasefire leads to durable peace.
