January 21, 2025

Why Israel's Ceasefire-Hostage Deal is Bittersweet

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by The Philos Project

Why is the recent ceasefire-hostage deal between Israel and Hamas bittersweet?

1. Israelis are relieved some of the hostages are coming home

In an incredibly emotional weekend, three hostages were released today from Gaza. The world watched as Romi Gonen (24), Emily Damari (28), and Doron Sternbrecher (31) were reunited with their families at a hospital in Israel, celebrating the families’ reunion, yet painfully aware of the 94 remaining hostages in Gaza.

2. The deal disproportionately favors Hamas

The disparagement of what Israel is getting from the ceasefire-hostage deal vs. Hamas is astonishing.

In the first stage, Israel is getting 33 out of 94 remaining hostages released incrementally over the course of six weeks. Hamas is getting over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, many of whom are convicted terrorists.

Israel will withdraw to the perimeters of Gaza in stage two of this deal, allowing Hamas to reassert control over key parts of Gaza. Details of this will be negotiated with the release of the hostages, and ultimately, these phases will occur in increments over many months, so there is a lot of room for the deal to be spoiled by Hamas or other terrorists within Gaza.

3. The U.S. and the global community gave Hamas disproportionate negotiating power

The fact that Hamas is getting a ceasefire despite Israel’s massive military superiority without Israel achieving any of its war aims shows the blatant bias in negotiations.

4. There is no ceasefire in Jihad

A ceasefire with Hamas is another war waiting to happen.

Hamas broke an existing ceasefire with Israel on October 7, 2023, and it is only a matter of time before Hamas strikes again, this time knowing the help it will receive from anti-Israel friends in the international community.

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Watch the Philos Project Podcast episode breaking down the deal

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