Hostage-prisoner exchanges continue; Possibility of Long-Term Cease Fire; Israel-Hamas military strategy; American diplomacy in Israel and Ukraine
Nov 26, 2023
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CNN correspondent Oren Liebermann talks about the latest on Israel-Hamas hostage-prisoner exchanges. Haaretz diplomatic correspondent Amir Tibon discusses the possibility of a long-term cease fire. CNN correspondent Nada Bashir talks about the state of Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Shibley Telhami discusses the impact of the war on the broader region.
The hostage-prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas faced delays and difficulties, highlighting the fragility of the truce.
The release of foreign nationals during the truce in Gaza appears to be random, without clear criteria or reasoning behind the releases.
Deep dives
Israeli and foreign hostages released during truce
During the four-day truce between Israel and Hamas, a total of 26 Israelis and 15 foreigners were released from captivity in Gaza. In return, 78 Palestinians were released from Israeli prisons. The transfer of hostages faced delays and difficulties, raising concerns about the fragile nature of the truce. Despite the accusations of violating the agreement, the release of hostages did occur, and the truce appears to be moving forward.
The release of foreign nationals and its randomness
The release of foreign nationals during the truce in Gaza appears to be random. The youngest hostage remains in captivity, while other foreign nationals, who are not involved in the conflict, have been released. The process of releasing foreign nationals is separate from the hostage exchange and does not involve any specific exchange. The order of release and the criteria used are unclear, and even on the Israeli side, there seems to be no specific reasoning behind the releases.
Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons
Around 8,300 Palestinians are being held in Israeli jails, with over 3,000 of them under administrative detention, which means they are held without knowing the charges against them or any ongoing legal process. The Palestinian detainees' release is seen as proof of the dual legal system between Israeli settlers and Palestinians in the West Bank. While many Palestinians believe this situation highlights the injustices they face, Israeli authorities argue that those released may have been involved in serious offenses, such as threatening regional security or engaging in terrorist activities.
Repercussions for the Arab world and US involvement
The recent conflict between Israel and Hamas has had significant repercussions in the Arab world. The images of the destruction and the high number of civilian casualties have caused anger and have the potential to drastically change public opinion. The Arab leaders who previously supported normalization with Israel might now face pressure to suspend the Abraham Accords or delay broader normalization efforts. The United States is also impacted as American involvement in the conflict could make them a target for extremist groups. This war has now become a part of US politics and could complicate President Biden's peace initiatives in the region.
This week, Fareed talks with CNN correspondent Oren Liebermann live from Tel Aviv about the latest on Israel-Hamas hostage-prisoner exchanges.
Then Fareed speaks to Haaretz diplomatic correspondent Amir Tibon about whether the Israel-Hamas cease fire will be extended. CNN correspondent Nada Bashir talks with Fareed about the state of Palestinian prisoners and detainees and their return home. Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Shibley Telhami joins the show and discusses the impact of the war on the broader region.
Finally, Fareed talks with Council on Foreign Relations President Emeritus Richard Haass and Contributing Writer & Columnist of the New Yorker Robin Wright to discuss the Israel-Hamas war and the parallels between the United States' response to Ukraine and Israel.