Israel’s decision to sign a ceasefire with Hamas terrorist group may be related to public pressure to do everything possible to ensure the release of hostages. However, its doesn’t mean the war is over, LETA was told by Toms Rostoks, Director of the Centre for Security and Strategic Research of the National Defence Academy.
The Latvian expert said that when Israel started its military operation in Gaza Strip, there were two goals – destroy the terrorist group and free hostages. Some of the hostages may be freed during the ceasefire, and Israel will use this opportunity, but it doesn’t mean the war will be over. It is possible that once the ceasefire is over, the military operation will continue, unless Hamas frees another dozen of the people that were taken hostage on the 7th of October.
Toms Rostoks mentioned that Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is an unpopular politician in Israel. There is a large movement in this country that stands in favour of doing everything possible to secure the release of hostages.
This is why, according to Rostoks, the Israeli government is currently manoeuvring between two goals – destruction of Hamas and the release of hostages.
The ceasefire agreement provides for the release of 50 hostages taken by Hamas and 150 Palestinian prisoners by Israel.
As for Palestinian prisoners Israel has agreed to release, some of them are not Hamas fighters – they are women Israel put in prison for knife attacks and throwing rocks.
Among the Palestinian prisoners are also youngsters aged 14 to 18 years.
It is also possible some of those prisoners were actual Hamas fighters, but the context of their release is humanitarian.
When asked if the four-day ceasefire could be used by Israel to review its military plans, Rostoks explained that military logic dictates Israel should move forward as soon as possible to take Gaza, destroy Hamas and find and destroy the system of tunnels beneath Gaza.
“Sources claim approximately 5 000 Hamas fighters have died so far. This is approximately one-fifth of the group if true. If it is Israel’s goal to reduce Hamas’ fighting capabilities to the maximum extent, it requires both taking Gaza and moving south. It’s unclear what will happen to the Palestinian refugees who were forced to abandon their homes in the northern Gaza Strip. It is a sad story.
It is likely Israel’s military operation will continue, and not for weeks – it may take months,” said the expert.
During the ceasefire various kinds of aid will be delivered to Gaza, including medicines and fuel. As for how the ceasefire could change Israel’s image in the eyes of the international community that criticises the country’s government, Rostoks said no. He said this is an important question – which side will receive support of the international community.
“Public opinion-wise Israel is not expected to gain anything. While there was fighting, it was not possible to visit many parts of the Gaza Strip. In these four days of ceasefire the international community will receive information what actually happened. The level of devastation will become clearer. Approximately 50 000 buildings have been destroyed in Gaza.
Although devastation is enormous, the losses of Hamas are not small either, but they are not catastrophic,” said Rostoks.
Friday, the 23th of November, marks the beginning of the four-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The ceasefire was reached through cooperation from Qatar, Egypt and US.
Also read: Israeli government agrees with Hamas on a four-day ceasefire and the release of hostages
Follow us on Facebook and X!