What a Truce in Gaza Means for the War
The release of hostages is hugely important, but it doesn’t change the military calculus of either Israel or Hamas.
People call for the release of Israelis held hostage in Gaza since the October 7 attack by Hamas militants.
Photographer: AHMAD GHARABLI/AFPHamas and Israel just agreed to pause their fight in Gaza for at least four days so they can exchange hostages for prisoners and allow access for humanitarian aid. For the alleviation of suffering among Gaza’s civilian population, that could not be more welcome or necessary. But for those doing the fighting, a pause will matter little beyond providing both sides with an opportunity to regroup.
That, at least, was my conclusion after speaking to specialists in the kind of urban warfare that’s been underway in Gaza. War is politics, and a short break will satisfy neither the Israel’s aim to eliminate Hamas, nor Hamas’ aim to extend the war until others join in or the international community pressures Israel to stop. Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu described the very idea that the pause might mean more as, “nonsense.’’