Consider This from NPR: Will We Finally See an End to the War in Gaza?
Release Date: January 16, 2025
Introduction to the Ceasefire Deal
In the latest episode of NPR's Consider This, the hosts delve into the fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, aiming to bring an end to the protracted conflict in Gaza. The episode opens with the harrowing account of Shimah Ahmed, a 21-year-old engineering student residing in Gaza, who shares her terrifying experience amidst continued bombings despite the announced ceasefire.
Shimah Ahmed (00:00): "Last night was horrible."
Layla Fadel (00:02): "That's 21 year old Shimah Ahmed, an engineering student living in Gaza, speaking with Morning Edition's Layla Fadel Thursday morning."
Challenges in the Negotiations
Greg Myre, an NPR foreign policy expert stationed in Tel Aviv, highlights the complexity and difficulty of brokering the ceasefire deal. He describes the negotiations as some of the toughest he has ever experienced, underscoring the intricate dynamics between the involved parties.
Greg Myre (00:23): "The road to this deal has not been easy. I worked in foreign policy for decades. This is one of the toughest negotiations I've ever experienced."
The ceasefire, planned to commence on Sunday, is structured to unfold in phases over several weeks. The initial phase involves the release of 33 hostages held by Hamas and the liberation of approximately 1,000 Israeli prisoners. Additionally, there is an expected surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, significant uncertainties remain regarding the long-term governance of Gaza and the financial aspects of rebuilding the war-torn region.
Current Status and Ongoing Conflict
Despite the announcement, skepticism persists, particularly among Gazans like Ahmed, who fears that the ceasefire may not hold. This skepticism intensified when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu postponed a cabinet vote on the deal, citing Hamas's alleged non-compliance with certain terms. In contrast, a Hamas official reaffirmed the group's commitment to the agreement, though specifics were not disclosed.
Shimah Ahmed (00:50): "We have developed this mechanism to kind of protect ourselves, which is basically by stopping to develop any kind of hope."
Greg Myre provides a detailed update on the situation, noting that Israeli airstrikes continue unabated, resulting in significant Palestinian casualties.
Greg Myre (03:43): "Some pretty heavy Israeli airstrikes yesterday and today. More than 80 Palestinians have been killed and more than 200 injured in the past two days, according to Palestinian health officials."
Role of US Political Figures
The episode explores the influence of former President Donald Trump on the ceasefire negotiations. Trump, who advocated for a ceasefire prior to his presidency, actively participated by sending his envoy, Steve Witkoff, to assist in the final stages of the negotiations in Qatar. Greg Myre draws parallels between the current ceasefire and Trump's 2020 agreement with the Taliban, suggesting that the forthcoming challenges will test the durability of the deal.
Greg Myre (05:16): "Trump will inherit the Gaza ceasefire agreement, and there will be challenging days ahead."
Reactions on US College Campuses
The episode shifts focus to the reactions within US college campuses, which have been deeply divided over the Gaza conflict since October 7, 2023. Maya Goel, a sophomore at Wayne State University, shares her mixed feelings about the ceasefire: relief over the potential release of hostages juxtaposed with concerns about the liberation of Palestinian prisoners, some of whom have been implicated in past attacks against Israelis.
Maya Goel (07:02): "When Maya Goel... first heard about the deal, she headed straight for Hillel, the Jewish student organization, both nervous and excited."
Students like Akiva Zeff from Boston University express hope that the ceasefire could reduce heated accusations and foster more nuanced discussions about the conflict.
Ari Shapiro (08:08): "I can only hope that this simmers down because it's very charged and that removes a lot of nuance from what is an exceptionally nuanced situation."
However, activists such as Mahmoud Muhaison from the University of Michigan, Dearborn, remain energized, viewing the ceasefire as a victory while continuing to push for broader systemic changes.
Mahmoud Muhaison (08:59): "More than two dozen students are planning to run for positions within Michigan's state Democratic Party since he says national Democrats betrayed them."
Future Prospects and Unresolved Issues
The episode underscores that while the ceasefire is a significant milestone, numerous critical issues remain unresolved. These include the governance of Gaza post-ceasefire, the financial burden of reconstruction, and the fate of hostages and prisoners exchanged between the two parties. Additionally, the complexity of ensuring long-term peace amidst deep-seated mistrust and political opposition poses substantial challenges.
Greg Myre (04:24): "It's not going to happen in a day. This first phase of the deal alone lasts six weeks."
Conclusion
As Consider This wraps up, the hosts reflect on the precarious nature of the ceasefire agreement and the uncertain path ahead. The episode emphasizes the fragile hope that the ceasefire could pave the way for lasting peace, while also acknowledging the significant obstacles that must be overcome to ensure its success.
Ari Shapiro (09:23): "It would be a shame for all the sacrifice and all the martyrdom that happened inside of Gaza to go in vain."
Notable Quotes
- Shimah Ahmed (00:50): "We have developed this mechanism to kind of protect ourselves, which is basically by stopping to develop any kind of hope."
- Greg Myre (00:23): "This is one of the toughest negotiations I've ever experienced."
- Greg Myre (03:47): "Israel acknowledged hitting around 50 targets in Gaza... one of them was a Hamas militant who took part in the October 7, 2023 attack in Southern Israel that launched war."
- Greg Myre (05:27): "Trump will inherit the Gaza ceasefire agreement, and there will be challenging days ahead."
- Ari Shapiro (08:08): "I can only hope that this simmers down because it's very charged and that removes a lot of nuance from what is an exceptionally nuanced situation."
- Ari Shapiro (09:23): "It would be a shame for all the sacrifice and all the martyrdom that happened inside of Gaza to go in vain."
This comprehensive summary captures the multifaceted discussions surrounding the ceasefire in Gaza, reflecting on the negotiations, current status, political influences, and societal reactions. It provides listeners and readers alike with a clear understanding of the complexities involved in potentially ending the long-standing conflict.