Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement late Wednesday night saying that the ceasefire agreement with Hamas has not yet been completed. Netanyahu said that work is continuing on finalizing this agreement. His statement came when America and Qatar had announced this agreement just a few hours ago.
After the news of the ceasefire, thousands of people in Palestine took to the streets and celebrated. This agreement could pave the way for an end to the conflict that has been going on in Gaza for the last 15 months and the release of hostages.
Netanyahu’s unclear stance
Netanyahu has not clarified whether he will accept this agreement led by Qatar and America or not.
- He said it was not possible to give a formal response until all points of the agreement were finalised.
- According to him, the details of the agreement are still being worked out.
Role of Qatar and America:
- Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Sani and US President Joe Biden had termed this agreement as historic.
- But without Netanyahu’s final approval, the effort appears to be in limbo.
long talks held in doha
For several weeks, talks regarding a ceasefire were going on between Israel and Hamas in Doha, the capital of Qatar.
- The purpose of the agreement was to stop the ongoing war in Gaza and ensure the release of hostages.
- America saw this conversation as its diplomatic success.
However, Netanyahu’s delay in a final decision has complicated the matter.
Latest situation and impact of conflict in Gaza
Recently there have also been reports of Israeli attacks during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
- More than 46,000 people have lost their lives so far in the last 15 months of conflict.
- About 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced.
- Israel launched an invasion of Gaza on 7 October 2023 in response to a major attack by Hamas.
- More than 1200 people died in Israel in this attack.
Importance of ceasefire agreement
If this agreement is implemented, it will not only stop the war in Gaza, but also:
- Release of hostages: A large number of hostages will be freed.
- Humanitarian aid: The suffering population of Gaza will receive relief.
- Stability: Long-standing instability in the Middle East may decline.
Waiting for Netanyahu’s decision
It is clear from Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement that the situation regarding the agreement is currently uncertain.
- If Israel ratifies this agreement, it will be a historic diplomatic achievement.
- But Netanyahu’s uncertainty has complicated the process.
