Forget Trump--Agreeing to a Ceasefire was Netanyahu's Own Calculation

Jan 17. Meron Rapaport/ 972 Magazine

“Inside Israel, the war in Gaza has become a burden on the government, the military, and society as a whole. In all the recent polls, a clear majority — between 60 and 70 percent, or even higher — supports ending the war. Contrary to what might have been expected, ending the war in Lebanon actually strengthened the desire to end the war in Gaza.  

There are various reasons for this. The weekly demonstrations led by the families of hostages may not match the scale of the protest that erupted following the discovery of the bodies of six hostages murdered by Hamas back in September, but the challenge they pose to the government has not diminished. On the contrary, never before have so many Israelis taken to the stage at such large protests and so bluntly called for an end to a war while Israel is waging it. “

Read the article here.

A large billboard in Jerusalem depicts U.S. President-elect Donald Trump urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the war, January 13, 2025, photo: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90

Harnessing the ceasefire to bolster aid delivery in Gaza

Statement by Muhannad Hadi, Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory

18 January 2025

Within the humanitarian system, we have ramped up our readiness ahead of the ceasefire. The United Nations and our partners now stand ready to leverage this opportunity for large-scale relief, as every second counts.

I acknowledge the constructive discussions held with the mediators in Cairo and the agreements reached on implementing humanitarian components of the first phase, including the provision of supplies as essential as water, food, health and shelter to people across Gaza and the long-awaited release of hostages.

I extend my gratitude to the mediators and all parties involved for entrusting the United Nations and our partners with contributing to the delivery of humanitarian assistance outlined in the agreement.

Achieving the targets that have been set will require a collective effort. As the Humanitarian Coordinator, I reaffirm our commitment to successful implementation. We remain equally dedicated to supporting efforts that pave the way for a second phase and a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

I call upon the mediators, the parties involved, our partners, community leaders, and the international community, including donors, to work together for effective and timely implementation, guided by the shared goal of saving lives and addressing people’s needs efficiently, meaningfully and in line with humanitarian principles.