After 11 days of fighting that has left over 1,200 Israelis and 1,055 Palestinians dead, Israel and the militant group Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire. The truce comes as Israel’s political parties put aside their differences to form an emergency unity government in response to the crisis.
Israel’s Long Political Impasse Ends with Unity Government Deal
Israel has been stuck in a protracted political impasse for over a year, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unable to secure a governing majority after three inconclusive elections. But the conflict with Hamas seems to have spurred Israel’s factionalized political system into action. Netanyahu and opposition leader Benny Gantz have agreed to form an emergency unity government, ending over a year of political paralysis. Additionally, you can also read about- Over 200,000 Palestinians Displaced in Gaza by Israeli Airstrikes: UN
Under the terms of the deal, Netanyahu and Gantz will rotate as prime minister, each serving 18 months in office. The unity government will focus solely on the security situation and will not pursue controversial domestic reforms that Netanyahu had previously pushed for. The coalition will include Netanyahu’s Likud party, Gantz’s Blue and White party, and other smaller factions.
Ceasefire Follows Intense Fighting in Gaza
The truce brings an end to 11 days of bombardment that has left swathes of Gaza in ruins. Israel unleashed hundreds of airstrikes against what it said were Hamas militant targets, while Hamas fired thousands of rockets indiscriminately into Israel. Over 250 people in Gaza and 13 in Israel have been killed, including dozens of children. With vital infrastructure destroyed, Gaza’s humanitarian plight has worsened. If you want you can also read- Israel Bombs 200+ Targets in Gaza After Hamas Incursion Kills Hundreds
International Pressure Help Secure Ceasefire
Intensive diplomatic efforts led by the U.S., Egypt and other Middle East countries helped broker the halt in fighting. President Joe Biden faced increasing pressure to intervene more forcefully as the death toll rose. Biden welcomed the deal and said the U.S. would work with the U.N. on aid for Gaza. Both Israel and Hamas have claimed victory in the confrontation.
You May Find Interest: Gaza Strip: A Brief History and Current Situation
