It is a welcome relief that a pause to the fighting and the imminent release of some hostages appears to have been agreed upon. Both sides must ensure that the agreement is delivered in full, as a pause can only succeed if the hostages are actually released by Hamas. No hope of a peaceful resolution exists until Hamas releases its hostages. Hamas’ terrorist attack on the 7th of October was truly barbaric and my thoughts remain with all hostages and their families.
My thoughts are also with all civilians currently in Gaza, which is why it is vital that this pause in the fighting allows aid to reach Gaza. All parties involved must ensure that humanitarian aid goes to the civilian population with all haste.
