Reasons why Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire.

A four-day humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas forces came into effect on November 24.

Injured people are transported to the city of Rafah in southern Gaza Strip following Israeli airstrikes on November 22, 2023. (Photo: THX/VNA)

With a ceasefire agreement, Israel could rescue hostages and appease public opinion, while Hamas would have more time to reorganize its forces.

The Israeli government announced a four-day ceasefire agreement in exchange for the release of approximately 50 hostages from the Gaza Strip. Hamas also confirmed the “humanitarian ceasefire,” adding that 150 Palestinians would be released from Israeli prisons under the agreement.

The move is seen as a major breakthrough that could help de-escalate tensions after more than six weeks of fighting. It could also help Israel ease growing pressure from domestic and international public opinion, according to Jeffrey Fleishman and Laura King, two analysts for the Los Angeles Times.

Qatar is mediating the ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement. An operations center in Qatar's capital, Doha, will oversee the implementation of the ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages. Additional aid will also flow into the Gaza Strip during this time.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced increasing political risk in recent weeks, as families of abducted relatives have criticized the Israeli government for not making sufficient efforts to rescue their loved ones.

Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak, Netanyahu's political rival, said that the number one priority for the head of government is protecting citizens. He argued that Prime Minister Netanyahu failed to do so during the Hamas raid on Israeli territory on October 7.

Netanyahu's approval ratings are declining. A new poll by Bar Ilan University indicates that less than 4% of Israeli Jews consider Netanyahu trustworthy when it comes to information about the war.

John Lyons, an ABC News analyst in Australia, believes the political motivation behind the ceasefire lies with Prime Minister Netanyahu, who is "fighting for the survival of his political career."

Tel Aviv clearly wants the Israeli military to be able to locate and rescue the hostages without needing to reach an agreement with Hamas or release Palestinian prisoners. However, Israeli ministers understand that they currently have no other option but to compromise with Hamas.

"This agreement is the only option currently available to rescue the hostages," said David Horovitz, an analyst at the Times of Israel.

The newly reached ceasefire agreement not only received widespread support from the Israeli people but also garnered strong consensus within the wartime cabinet. Even some of the most hardline elements of the current administration, such as the Zionist party, considered the agreement highly worthwhile.

International outrage over Israel's campaign against Hamas has also intensified in recent weeks, as casualties have soared, medical facilities have been devastated, and many Palestinian children have become victims of the conflict.

Compiled by Nguyen Tan

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