RAFAH, Gaza Strip. On the final day of the current truce in Gaza, international mediators made strides on Wednesday towards its extension, urging Hamas to continue releasing hostages in exchange for the freedom of Palestinian prisoners and continued relief from Israel’s air and ground offensive. The truce is set to expire within the next 24 hours.
Israel has expressed satisfaction with the recent release of numerous hostages, committing to maintaining the truce as long as Hamas continues this trend. However, the broader objective of dismantling the armed group that has governed Gaza for 16 years, responsible for the initial deadly attack on Israel triggering the conflict, appears increasingly challenging.
Despite weeks of intense aerial bombardment and a ground invasion causing significant destruction in northern Gaza and claiming thousands of Palestinian lives, Hamas remains resilient in its rule. This resilience is evident in the group’s ability to engage in intricate negotiations, enforce cease-fires among various armed factions, and orchestrate the smooth release of hostages.
Key Hamas figures, including Yehya Sinwar, have likely relocated to the south, alongside hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians seeking refuge in overcrowded shelters. An Israeli ground invasion in the south could potentially target Hamas leaders and dismantle the remaining militant infrastructure, including extensive tunnel networks. However, such a move would come at a significant human cost and entail destruction that the United States, Israel’s primary ally, seems reluctant to endorse.
The Biden administration has communicated to Israel that any resumption of the offensive must be conducted with heightened precision, particularly in the southern regions. This strategic approach may not lead to an immediate capitulation of Hamas, and mounting international pressure for a lasting cease-fire is becoming increasingly evident.
“How far both sides will be prepared to go in trading hostages and prisoners for the pause is about to be tested, but the pressures and incentives for both to stick with it are at the moment stronger than the incentives to go back to war,” remarked Martin Indyk, a former U.S. ambassador to Israel, in a commentary on X.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
