The four-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, scheduled to commence on Friday, is expected to offer only a temporary respite, as experts predict a renewed and intensified phase of conflict for at least two months, as reported by The Times of Israel.
Authorities in Gaza on Monday said the death toll from the ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7 has jumped to over 13,300.
In a statement, the Gaza-based government media office said the death toll includes 5,600 children and 3,550 women.
It added that the death toll also includes 201 medical staff, 22 members of civil defense rescue teams, and 60 journalists.
Thousands of buildings, including hospitals, mosques, and churches, have also been damaged or destroyed in Israel’s air and ground attacks on the besieged enclave.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant underscored the transitory nature of the truce, emphasising that after the initial release of hostages, the military campaign would resume with heightened intensity.
The hostage release agreement, facilitated by the US and Qatar, involves freeing at least 50 Israelis. In return, Israel commits to releasing 150 Palestinian prisoners, comprising women and minors.
While the ceasefire is officially in effect, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have reportedly escalated shelling attacks across the Gaza Strip, predominantly targeting refugee camps in the northern regions.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt Gen Herzi Halevi echoed Gallant’s remarks, clarifying that the military is not concluding the war but striving to attain specific war objectives, including the release of abducted hostages.
The IDF has conveyed the temporary nature of the humanitarian pause, with spokesperson AvichayAdraee stating, “The war is not over yet.”
