• Fri. Dec 20th, 2024

Israel-Hamas truce: Gaza ceasefire extended by 24 hours minutes before expiry, what next?

The Israel-Hamas truce has been extended by one more day just before it was set to expire.

The ceasefire between the Middle Eastern rivals began on the 24th of November, after months of diplomatic negotiations and votes

The latest update indicates the Israel and Hamas did not get anywhere near agreeing despite the truce

Israeli Defense Forces must still cease-fire in Gaza after the temporary peace agreement with Hamas was extended by one more day. Image: Pexels / Mohammed-Abubakr / Irina Balashova

Israel-Palestine war on pause

The temporary peace deal agreement between Israel and Hamas involves the exchange of Hamas hostages for Palestinians in Israeli prisons. The military group also demands restrictions on air traffic over specific areas of Gaza during designated hours.

CNN’s Live updates highlighted that the Israel-Hamas truce was mere minutes away from expiring when it was renewed. Israel Defense Force will have to hold back until 01 December 2023.

Why are Israel and Palestine fighting?

The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas began on the 7th of October, 2023, The conflict began after Hamas organized a catastrophic attack against Israel which left 1105 dead, 851 on that list being civilians.

Why did Israel bomb Gaza?

Israel responded to Hamas’ attack with extensive aerial bombardment, dropping 6,000 bombs on Gazan targets before Imposing a total blockade of Gaza, followed by a large-scale ground invasion.

Over 11,200 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7. In Israel, the official death toll from Hamas’s attacks stands at more than 1,200. Most of the victims being minors and civilians.

Who is Hamas and what do they want?

Hamas, an acronym for its official name, the Islamic Resistance Movement Ḥarakat al-Muqāwamah, was established in the 1980s. Its roots can be traced to a socio-political movement called the Muslim Brotherhood. While the Brotherhood’s main focus was social development, Hamas emerged in response to the Israeli occupation as a distinct entity from the Muslim Brotherhood.

Its primary objective is to establish an independent Palestinian state, encompassing land held in 1967. Ultimately, Hamas seeks the liberation of all historic Palestine lost through colonialism. These goals directly conflict with Israel, as the country exists on land claimed by Hamas.

Which countries support Gaza?

The group has been dubbed a terrorist group by The United States and European Union for the way it has handled the conflict in the past. Senior Fellow and director of the Carnegie Middle East Program, Amr Hamzawy, writes:

 Although Hamas and other Palestinian groups are predominantly seen in the Arab world as resistance movements, their violence against Israeli civilians has been largely condemned

Notably, Iran, Turkey and Qatar have expressed support for the group with China and Russia offering their diplomatic support for the group.

Amr Hamzawy, reported that protests erupted in the Arab region. Cairo, Baghdad and Cairo are a few of the surrounding countries that have supported Palestinians in Gaza.

Israeli defence forces resume bombing

Although Qatari and Egyptian mediators hoped to extend the cease-fire, they failed.CNN Live updates detail that Israel alleges Hamas violated their agreement, and just after the truce expired, the assault on Gaza started again.

Vanessa Nakayange

Vanessa Nakayange

Vanessa Nakayange is a multidisciplinary professional with expertise in writing, artistry, economics, and activism. Presently based in Zambia, she works for a non-governmental organization focused on sexual health and gender equality. Her academic background includes a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of International Business and Economics in China.

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