The question of domestic politics in the U.S. for Biden brings up important indicators that Israel needs to consider. The U.S. may not have endless patience for Israel's war, so it's important for Israel to act quickly while retaining international legitimacy. Mediators from Qatar and Egypt, along with the Americans in the background, exerted strong pressure to facilitate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
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.
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