Vantage | It's a pause but West Asia remains on the brink of bigger war

In a significant development in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, a breakthrough has finally been achieved through diplomatic efforts. The truce is set to unfold in two phases, offering a temporary pause in the hostilities.

Phase One: Prisoner exchange and humanitarian aid The initial phase involves a prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel. Hamas will release 50 Israeli hostages, specifically women and children, while Israel reciprocates by freeing 150 Palestinian prisoners, also comprising women and children. This exchange is scheduled to take place over four days, during which a ceasefire will be implemented, bringing a temporary halt to the conflict. Additionally, Israel will permit the entry of 300 aid trucks into Gaza, providing much-needed relief to the region. Fuel supplies to Gaza will also be increased, addressing some of the pressing humanitarian concerns. While this phase is generally seen as positive news, families of the hostages are grappling with uncertainty, not knowing who among their loved ones will be released. The emotional toll on these families is evident, as expressed by a grandmother and the father of hostages in Gaza. “When I heard this solution that the government make with Hamas I feel so disappointed because I don’t know if my Gali will be with this list that will go home, and I want her as soon as possible and this feeling maybe it not will be.. it’s making me very sad at this moment,” said grandmother Kameilia Hotel Ishay whose granddaughter Gali Tarshansky is a hostage in Gaza. Father of Amit Shani, hostage in Gaza, Nir Shani, said, “Any person who will be released is good… it is important. Eventually we need them all but if it had to be slice by slice so be it.” Phase Two: Complex negotiations and conditional ceasefire The second phase introduces a more intricate dynamic. Hamas has the flexibility to release additional hostages, the exact number remaining unspecified. Israel, in turn, conditions the duration of the ceasefire on the number of hostages released by Hamas. For every 10 hostages released, there will be a one-day pause in fighting. The ball is effectively in Hamas’s court, determining the length of the ceasefire based on their actions. Diplomatic endeavours: Four key players Behind this breakthrough, a diplomatic effort involving four main parties played a crucial role. Israel, Hamas, the United States and Qatar were actively involved in negotiations. Qatar, acting as a mediator, assumed a significant role due to its positive relations with both Hamas and the US. The United States, with 10 of its citizens held as hostages, had a direct stake in the negotiations. The Biden administration played an active role in the talks, emphasizing the importance of resolving the crisis. Mixed reactions and ongoing challenges While the temporary pause in the conflict is a lifeline for Gaza, there are differing perspectives on its significance. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasizes that the pause does not mark the end of the war, outlining broader objectives that Israel aims to achieve. “There is idle talk outside, as if after the truce to return our abductees, we will stop the war. So I would like to make it clear: we are at war and we will continue the war. We will continue the war until we achieve all our objectives; eliminate Hamas, return all our abductees and missing persons and ensure that there will be no element in Gaza that threatens Israel,” said Netanyahu. In the midst of this tentative relief, tensions across West Asia are escalating. Recent US airstrikes in Iraq, targeting Iranian proxies, indicate a broader regional conflict. Tit-for-tat exchanges between Iranian proxies and US forces raise concerns about a potential widening of the conflict beyond the borders of Gaza. As the truce’s commencement approaches, there is a sense of anticipation and apprehension, with hopes for a lasting resolution contrasting with the grim reality of wider regional tensions. The delicate balance between peace and the looming spectre of conflict hangs in the balance. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.