The Gaza Ceasefire and the Sharm el-Sheikh Summit
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: International Relations (West Asia conflict, Peace Summits, Key actors like Hamas, Palestinian Authority); World Geography (Map Locations - Sharm el-Sheikh, Gaza, West Bank).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (International Relations): Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests; Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. The Gaza conflict and its resolution are a major global event with implications for regional stability.
Key Highlights from the News
A ceasefire agreement came into effect between Israel and Hamas, ending the two-year-long war in Gaza.
As part of the agreement, Hamas released the last 20 Israeli hostages, and Israel released 1,968 Palestinian prisoners. This was a large hostage-prisoner exchange.
To formalize this peace agreement, a high-level Peace Summit was held in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, led by the US and Egypt.
The United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey signed on as guarantors of this agreement.
Key challenges (sticking points) in this agreement:
Hamas's refusal to disarm.
Israel's unwillingness for a full withdrawal from Gaza.
Although the ceasefire is in effect, conflicts have started between Hamas and other local groups within Gaza, indicating a complex internal situation.
Uncertainty still remains about whether these peace efforts will lead to a lasting solution.
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