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What will it take for Israel to cease fire in Gaza?

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PM Netanyahu is under pressure at home and abroad

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Demonstrators, among them family members of Israelis held by Hamas in Gaza, stand with red paint on their hands during a protest calling for an end of the war and the immediate release of all hostages outside the US embassy in Tel Aviv this week. Rallies in Israel have been critical of the government's handling of the crisis, demanding the immediate release of all hostages.
Demonstrators, among them family members of Israelis held by Hamas in Gaza, stand with red paint on their hands during a protest calling for an end of the war and the immediate release of all hostages outside the US embassy in Tel Aviv this week. Rallies in Israel have been critical of the government's handling of the crisis, demanding the immediate release of all hostages.
Bernice Harrison
Thu May 09 2024 - 06:15

On Monday spirits were lifted in Gaza when Hamas issued a statement declaring it would accept the terms of a ceasefire deal brokered by Egypt and Qatar. But joy was short-lived.

Israel quickly announced the deal did not go far enough towards releasing the hostages captured on October 7th.

At the same time, Israeli defence forces began their takeover of a crucial border crossing between Egypt and Gaza.

So what now? What will it take for Israeli prime minister Binjamin Netanyahu, a man under pressure at home and abroad, to agree to a ceasefire and call off the invasion of Rafah, a city of last resort for 1.4 million displaced Gazans?

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Mark Weiss is a contributor to The Irish Times based in Jerusalem. He explains how this crucial week in the seven-month long conflict unfolded and how domestic political considerations have trumped international pressure in Netanyahu’s decision-making so far.

Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon.

IsraelGaza StripPalestineJoe BidenBinyamin Netanyahu

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