A cease-fire agreement in Gaza has paved the way for the release of 33 hostages from the clutches of Hamas, marking a significant and heartening development. The first group is expected to be freed within days, with additional releases to follow in the initial phase of the deal.

 

This news is a source of immense relief and joy for the hostages, their families, and the entire nation. It also stands as a notable achievement for Donald Trump, the incoming U.S. president, whose stern warnings that "all hell will break out" if the hostages weren't released seem to have played a crucial role in finalizing the agreement. Appreciation is also due to the diplomatic efforts of both Trump's and Biden's teams, who worked together to secure this outcome. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's steadfast military pressure on Hamas, despite calls for de-escalation, was another key factor in compelling the terrorist group to agree.

 

The deal, however, is not without its risks. Israel's withdrawal from populated areas of Gaza as part of the agreement could potentially embolden Hamas by alleviating immediate military threats. Furthermore, the release of over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, some of whom are convicted killers, could lead to renewed attacks, as seen with Yahya Sinwar, who orchestrated the October 7 massacre after being released in a prior hostage deal.

Despite being weakened, Hamas still wields considerable influence in Gaza and has been actively recruiting new fighters to replace its losses.

 

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has acknowledged that these recruits have nearly replenished Hamas's ranks. The most concerning aspect of the deal's second phase involves the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza to secure the release of the remaining hostages, raising fears of a permanent cease-fire that could leave Hamas in control.

 

President Biden has expressed hope that the cease-fire will persist even if Phase 2 negotiations stall, provided discussions continue. However, this scenario could allow Hamas to prolong the talks and rebuild its infrastructure. Fortunately, the resolution of these issues will likely fall to Trump and Netanyahu, who are expected to adopt a firmer stance.

 

In essence, the cease-fire is a temporary measure, dependent on Israel's agreement to a permanent arrangement. If Hamas complies and refrains from reneging on its commitments, this deal could lead to the liberation of roughly half of the remaining hostages—a significant accomplishment in itself. Israel's control over Gaza's southern border remains intact, limiting Hamas's ability to resupply and offering a glimmer of hope that the remaining hostages can be rescued soon. Israel retains the right to resume military actions if Hamas refuses to capitulate.

 

As we celebrate the imminent return of the innocent hostages, let us also pray for a lasting resolution that ensures peace for the Israeli people and triumph over those who have caused such suffering.

 

Based on a report by NYP 2024-01-17

 

 

Getting things done before he's even sworn in ...

 

... " It also stands as a notable achievement for Donald Trump, the incoming U.S. president, whose stern warnings that "all hell will break out" if the hostages weren't released seem to have played a crucial role in finalizing the agreement" ...

"But Hamas Must Still be Defeated,"

 

......meaning killed ???😵‍💫

10 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

"But Hamas Must Still be Defeated,"

 

......meaning killed ???😵‍💫

 

   No, "Defeated" doesn't mean "Killed" 

'

2 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   No, "Defeated" doesn't mean "Killed" 

'

Did you ask Netanyahu? I reckon he would agree with me.

18 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

"But Hamas Must Still be Defeated,"

 

......meaning killed ???😵‍💫

Well yes obviously, did you expect it to be ok for them to remain in Gaza and plan another attack as they said they would?

20 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

"But Hamas Must Still be Defeated,"

 

......meaning killed ???😵‍💫

Sure, why not…

9 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Did you ask Netanyahu? I reckon he would agree with me.

 

   Were you asking a question as to whether Netanyahu wants all Hamas to be killed ?

   Yes, he probably does .

29 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

"But Hamas Must Still be Defeated,"

 

......meaning killed ???😵‍💫

 

   Whereabouts is that quote in the article ?

Three times now that I've read the article and still cannot locate that quote .

  Where is that quote located in the article ?

6 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   Were you asking a question as to whether Netanyahu wants all Hamas to be killed ?

   Yes, he probably does .

 

   Whereabouts is that quote in the article ?

Three times now that I've read the article and still cannot locate that quote .

  Where is that quote located in the article ?

Headline 

18 minutes ago, novacova said:

Sure, why not…

You think of them as vermin? "Only a dead Palestinian is a good Palestinian?"

Good news that hostages and prisoners are being released (exchanged) and too of a pause in the killing.

 

Bad news of mission creep and continued Israeli occupation in Gaza, but it does at least expose the lie that if the hostages are released the killing will stop.

 

 

 

9 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Headline 

 

   Who said it though ?

I was looking through the article to find out who said it 

15 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Good news that hostages and prisoners are being released (exchanged) and too of a pause in the killing.

 

Bad news of mission creep and continued Israeli occupation in Gaza, but it does at least expose the lie that if the hostages are released the killing will stop.

 

Good news the prisoners are being released? So they can come back to kill more Jews? In what world is it good news that prisoners have to be swapped for innocent civilians that were taken hostage including babies and children? 

 

What lie are you talking about? 

 

Full speech with English subs

 

You really need to go back and read what you've written, its disgusting and vile Chomper

13 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   Who said it though ?

I was looking through the article to find out who said it 

At the bottom: NYP

This BBC report provides broader information on the current state of the negotiations:

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c93ll522e9no

1 hour ago, newbee2022 said:

"But Hamas Must Still be Defeated,"

 

......meaning killed ???😵‍💫

I think you find the correct term is neutralised, less dramatic.

42 minutes ago, novacova said:

Sure, why not…

It must be great to decide who should live and who should die, especially when the majority are innocent men, women, children and babies, and they are NOT your people anyway.

 

I suppose that you would be OK if your house was bombed, and your wife and children slaughtered whilst someone was looking for you. 

 

You seem to be a pull up the ladder Jack, I'm OK, to me.

35 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

You think of them as vermin? "Only a dead Palestinian is a good Palestinian?"

 

   Now you are saying that  ALL Palestinians are Hamas ?

You initially wrote "Hamas" , the changed that to "Palestinians"

The current narrative from your side is that Hamas and Palestinians are seperate  .

   *Hamas are the bad guys and  the Palestinians are the good guys * is the current narrative 

 

12 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

This BBC report provides broader information on the current state of the negotiations:

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c93ll522e9no

From your link you'll be pleased to know that Hamas wants to add extra prisoners to swap for those innocent women and children:

 

"Hamas said it was committed to the deal, but the BBC understands it was trying to add some of its members to the list of Palestinian prisoners that would be released under the deal."

 

Great add on to your previous post on here Chomper

 

 

2 minutes ago, billd766 said:

It must be great to decide who should live and who should die, especially when the majority are innocent men, women, children and babies, and they are NOT your people anyway.

 

 

 

 The majority of  Hamas are innocent woman children and babies?

No , they aren't.

They are a evil terrorist organisation 

44 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Good news that hostages and prisoners are being released (exchanged) and too of a pause in the killing.

 

Bad news of mission creep and continued Israeli occupation in Gaza, but it does at least expose the lie that if the hostages are released the killing will stop.

 

 

   Palestinians cannot be allowed to Govern themselves again . 

There needs to be an independent security force in Gaza to keep Palestinians away from armanets  .

   Palestinians cannot be trusted to Govern themselves .

Yes, there needs to be a huge open air prison in Gaza .

For security reasons for the next 50-100 years 

3 minutes ago, billd766 said:

It must be great to decide who should live and who should die, especially when the majority are innocent men, women, children and babies, and they are NOT your people anyway.

 

I suppose that you would be OK if your house was bombed, and your wife and children slaughtered whilst someone was looking for you. 

 

You seem to be a pull up the ladder Jack, I'm OK, to me.

Hamas is a murderous organization, when a person joins that organization they understand it’s a suicidal choice. Hamas has no regard for life, they murder Palestinians on a daily basis. Yet folks like you come here and defend hamas because you want them to live another day to kill.

6 minutes ago, novacova said:

Hamas is a murderous organization, when a person joins that organization they understand it’s a suicidal choice. Hamas has no regard for life, they murder Palestinians on a daily basis. Yet folks like you come here and defend hamas because you want them to live another day to kill.

As always the same nonsense 'defending hamas' 'terrorist supporters'. 

3 minutes ago, stevenl said:

As always the same nonsense 'defending hamas' 'terrorist supporters'. 

Yet thats exactly what some posters have done by calling them freedom fighters. Do you agree they should be eliminated? And never again be allowed to stay in Gaza?

57 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

Good news that hostages and prisoners are being released (exchanged) and too of a pause in the killing.

 

 

  So a group  kills children and murders  hundreds youngsters at a music festival  and takes a 8 month baby  hostage for over a year and that group   then exchanges that baby/the babies corpse (unsure whether the baby is dead) for 50 convicted criminals . 

   Exchanging a kidnapped baby for jailed criminals .

Do you support those actions ?

26 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   Now you are saying that  ALL Palestinians are Hamas ?

You initially wrote "Hamas" , the changed that to "Palestinians"

The current narrative from your side is that Hamas and Palestinians are seperate  .

   *Hamas are the bad guys and  the Palestinians are the good guys * is the current narrative 

 

No, I don't know where I wrote that? It's just your interpretation? Or your insinuation?  

An off topic post making historical claims out of context has been removed @Chomper Higgot the topic is:

 

Hostages to Return Amid Cease-Fire Deal: But Hamas Must Still be Defeated

 

A post making numerous unsubstaniated off topic claims also removed.

How many hostages are still alive?

3 minutes ago, Thailand said:

How many hostages are still alive?

Not enough but more than 60 apparently. 

29 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

No, I don't know where I wrote that? It's just your interpretation? Or your insinuation?  

 

  Do I really have to quote your posts above to show you were you said it ?