Isabel Kershner, a Jerusalem-based reporter for The New York Times, shares insights on the delicate cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, emphasizing its reliance on hostage exchanges. She highlights how grassroots movements influenced this temporary peace and examines the emotional weight carried by families of hostages. Kershner discusses the complexities of international diplomacy involved in the negotiations and reflects on the humanitarian aspects of the conflict, raising hopes for more future releases and aid. It's a compelling discussion about the intersection of personal stories and geopolitics.
The release of hostages became a central focus for Israel, with grassroots campaigns led by the families of the hostages putting pressure on the government, marking a historic moment in the conflict.
The involvement of the United States, putting pressure on Israel to address civilian deaths and the humanitarian crisis, played a critical role in reaching the ceasefire agreement, which offered an opportunity for negotiations and potential prolongation of the pause in hostilities.
Deep dives
Release of Hostages and Prisoners
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, now in its fifth day, has resulted in the release of 50 Israeli hostages and 150 Palestinian prisoners. This unprecedented event marks a historic moment in the conflict. The release of hostages became a central focus for Israel, with grassroots campaigns led by the families of the hostages putting pressure on the government. On the other side, the United States played a critical role in negotiating the ceasefire and advocating for civilian safety. The releases have been emotional and complex, with families being reunited but also leaving loved ones behind in Gaza.
The Importance of Hostages in the Ceasefire
The hostage issue played a significant role in the success of the ceasefire. The Israeli government initially focused on eradicating Hamas and military objectives, but the families of the hostages pushed for their loved ones' return. Avihaib Radaach, whose whole family was kidnapped to Gaza, started a grassroots movement that grew into a powerful force, capturing the hearts of many Israelis. The hostage release became a dual goal, along with removing Hamas from power. This shift in focus from revenge to bringing hostages home led to increasing domestic pressure on the government.
Ceasefire and Negotiations
The ceasefire marked a pause in the fighting and offered an opportunity for negotiations. The involvement of the United States, putting pressure on Israel to address civilian deaths and the humanitarian crisis, played a critical role in reaching the ceasefire agreement. The release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners was part of the deal. Egypt and Qatar acted as mediators, and the Americans provided strong support and encouragement for the ceasefire. The ceasefire has been extended, and Hamas is using the opportunity to seek further negotiations and potentially prolong the pause in hostilities.
Hostages are at the heart of the fragile cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, now in its fifth day. As of Monday night, 50 Israeli hostages had been released, as had 150 Palestinian prisoners. More releases were expected on Tuesday, under what Qatari mediators said was a deal to extend the cease-fire by two days.
Isabel Kershner, a Jerusalem-based reporter for The New York Times, explains how a grass-roots movement managed to pause the war, and what it will mean for the rest of the conflict.
Guest: Isabel Kershner, who covers Israeli and Palestinian politics and society for The New York Times.
Background reading:
The extension of the cease-fire, and another exchange of hostages and prisoners, raised hopes that more people would be set free and more humanitarian aid would reach people in the Gaza Strip.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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