‘These Are Very Fragile Agreements’: Human Rights Watch Director on Israel-Hamas Truce

EXCERPT:

SHAKIR: “Look, I think it’s difficult to predict. These are very fragile agreements. We have seen in previous hostilities, even small misunderstanding can sometimes lead to them not going through with it. I think this deal has been offered, has been on the table, for sometime. The parameters of which were a pause in fighting, a release of some Palestinian prisoners, release of hostages. It took a while for the Israeli government to agree to that arrangement, but I think that once these things are started, it can develop a momentum. But let’s be clear that, you know, human beings are not bargaining chips. Whether they be hostages that are being held by Hamas authorities, whether it be Palestinians whose basic need for aid, and a chance to survive in their homes not being demolished are contingent on other actions. We need to address these core issues today, ceasefire or not, unlawful attack should stop, hostages should be released, aid should be allowed in, unlawfully detained Palestinians should be released. But the reality here is that we have this current arrangement. The best hope we can have is that there continues to be progress made on these issues because it’s very untenable situation on the ground.”