Israel’s cabinet votes to approve hostage release deal
Nov 22, 2023
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Israel's cabinet approves a deal to release at least 50 hostages held in Gaza by Hamas. Barak Ravid discusses the timing of the release. Anat Moshe Shoshany's grandmother, Adina Moshe, reacts to the news and expresses hope. Concerns are raised about Hamas upholding their end of the deal and the mixed emotions of affected families. The podcast also highlights the brave actions of a mother and her husband during a kidnapping.
Israel's cabinet has approved a deal for the release of 50 women and children hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, in exchange for a temporary ceasefire.
The approved hostage release deal is a response to public pressure and criticism towards the Israeli government's handling of the hostage situation, highlighting the government's acknowledgment of public sentiment.
Deep dives
Approval of Hostage Deal by Israeli Cabinet
The Israeli cabinet has approved a deal with Hamas which will see the release of 50 women and children who were taken hostage on October 7th. In return, Israel will release 150 Palestinian prisoners, with a four to five-day pause in military operations in Gaza. The approval of the deal follows hours of debate within the cabinet, and while there was some opposition from far-right members, the deal was expected to be approved. The families of the hostages are cautiously optimistic for their loved ones' release, but acknowledge that there are many more hostages still held by Hamas.
Challenges and Concerns About the Deal
The approved deal poses challenges and concerns for both the Israeli military and the families of the hostages. The military may lose valuable targetable intelligence during the pause, allowing Hamas to resupply and reposition themselves. The government has assured that any breach of the agreement, even minor, would result in a resumption of military operations. However, there are doubts that the military would go back into fighting if there are still hostages to be released. Families of the hostages express mixed emotions, with some optimistic about their loved ones' release, while others are disappointed that not all hostages will be included in this deal.
Pressure from Public Opinion and Criticism of the Israeli Government
Public pressure and criticism of the Israeli government played a significant role in pushing for this hostage deal. Families of hostages have expressed frustration and anger towards the government for not doing enough to secure the release of their loved ones. The government's focus on destroying Hamas before prioritizing the hostages led to criticism and calls for more action. The approval of the deal reflects the government's acknowledgment of public sentiment, despite the challenges and potential risks involved. However, the families remain vigilant and cautious, as the hostages' release has not yet been confirmed.
Hope, Uncertainty, and Psychological Tactics
There is both hope and uncertainty surrounding the approved deal. Family members of the hostages remain cautiously optimistic, hoping to see their loved ones return home soon. However, until the hostages are actually released, there is still uncertainty. Additionally, psychological tactics from Hamas, such as sending messages claiming the well-being of hostages, but also instilling fear of potential harm, contribute to the emotional toll on the families. Despite the challenges and psychological terrorism, the families remain steadfast in their desire to see all hostages safely returned.
Israel's cabinet has approved a deal that would see the release of at least 50 hostages—women and children—being held in Gaza by Hamas in exchange for a four-day truce in Israel's air and ground campaign. A source tells CNN that the deal was approved by a significant majority. Axios' Political and Foreign Policy Reporter Barak Ravid tells AC360 when he thinks hostages will actually be released. Plus, Anat Moshe Shoshany's grandmother, Adina Moshe, was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz. She joins AC360 to react to the news of the deal and says it gives her "so much hope".