Fresh reports indicate that Israel and Hamas have agreed on a draft deal for a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages. The proposed agreement would be implemented in three stages, starting with the gradual release of 33 hostages over six weeks. Among them are five female Israeli soldiers, each of whom would be exchanged for 50 Palestinian prisoners.
In return, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian women and children in detention, along with 30 security prisoners serving life sentences. During this period, Israeli forces would withdraw from population centers over 42 days, allowing Palestinians to begin returning to their homes in northern Gaza. Additionally, humanitarian aid to the region would increase significantly.
The term "ceasefire" refers to the temporary suspension of war or other armed conflict. It does not, therefore, signify peace, nor does it imply the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
Achieving peace would require mutual trust. However, at this moment, such trust appears to be lacking among both Jewish and Palestinian communities.
The key lies with the latter; the Arabs of the Holy Land must abstain from terrorism and warfare against Israel. This means no rockets launched from Gaza or the West Bank into Israel, and ideally no deranged terrorists attacking Jewish targets.
At the same time, it is crucial for Israel to act decisively, particularly in the West Bank, to prevent the construction of new settlements and to avoid other aggressive actions against Palestinians. Furthermore, the current and future governments of Israel must work in ways that foster Palestinian trust in their own future.
If these efforts succeed, it might be possible for Israel’s Jewish population to accept the establishment of a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza, as envisioned in 1993. However, if these efforts fail, the conflict will revert to square one, likely leading to renewed hostilities in the Holy Land sooner or later.
Personally, I believe that in this particular situation, the responsibility for the future of the Palestinian people lies primarily with their leaders. If they are capable and grounded in realism, the future of the Palestinian people can be excellent. However, if they repeat the inability of their predecessors to acknowledge facts and act accordingly, the ordeal of the people they lead will continue far into the future.
Previous thoughts on the same topic:
Two out of three Palestinians support October 7 attack
Palestinian responsibility
Palestinians: acknowledging facts is the beginning of wisdom!
Hamas will continue it's war against Israel sooner than later. Bleeding heart leftist in the west will continue shouting:" From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free."
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