Israel-Hamas ceasefire: The moral and operational dilemmas behind the hostage release deal

Forty-five days after the 7 October murderous “Black Saturday” attack by Hamas terrorists on Israelis living near Gaza – Israel’s 9/11 moment – a deal has now been struck between the sides, mediated by Qatar.

Starting on 23 November, Hamas will be freeing 50 Israelis (30 children, and 12 mothers and other women) held in Gaza. An additional 30 may be released soon after.

In exchange, Israel will “pause” its intense military campaign against Hamas in Gaza for four to five days, and release from Israeli jails about 150 Palestinian women and minors (this number may increase if more Israelis are freed) – a release ratio of three Palestinians per one Israeli kidnapped. No Palestinians convicted of murder will be released, except in specially-approved cases.

In addition, for the first time since the attack, the International Red Cross will finally be given access to other abductees in Hamas hands, including soldiers, and will be able to provide them with assistance and medication.

This deal is quite complex and has many implications.

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