The Issue: Israel and Gaza’s cease-fire deal which will release hostages and prisoners from both sides.
I, for one, am happy that a cease-fire deal has been negotiated (“Shalom coming,” Jan. 16).
The only problems that I have with the deal is that hostages are not being released all at once and the difference between the numbers on each side. Israel gets 33 hostages released, and in return, has to set free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
Israel did not attack Gaza — it was Hamas that attacked Israel. Every time Israel is attacked, without provocation, it does what’s needed in its defense. When is the world going to actually hold these terror groups responsible?
Kim Cody
Whitestone
Although a cease-fire and hostage return is good news, it remains to be seen if there will be enduring peace. Hamas and Mohammed Sinwar are still in power, many hostages have already died, and Israel will release militants who will find their way back to the battlefield — regardless of assurances to the contrary.
It seems that winning an unconditional surrender — the only true measure of success in warfare — is beyond Israel’s grasp. Without it, Hamas will regroup, and the fight will continue as it has so often before when cease-fires fall apart.
Mel Young
Boca Raton, Fla.
For every Hamas hostage released, Israel must exchange killers, rapists and torturers.
Israel will also make territorial concessions, which begs the question: Why did we fight so hard if there are no rewards?
Because President Biden has proven his venom toward Israel, thereby precluding the victory it sought. It is pre-ordained that there will most likely be another attack with more casualties and prisoners.
This script has played out for decades, and only a total Israeli victory can bring a different ending.
Rich Klitzberg
Boca Raton, Fla.
The agreed-upon cease-fire in the Holy Land not only affords Hamas an opportunity to lick its wounds, but now brings praise for an entity that continues to promote death and destruction.
What must never be forgotten or overlooked is that Hamas is a murderous organization that will never change its stripes. Its manifesto seeking the destruction of Israel and the annihilation of Jewish people remains deeply embedded in its psyche.
S.P. Hersh
Lawrence
The long-awaited cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas offers a glimmer of hope after over a year of relentless attacks on Gaza. However, the situation on the ground remains tense.
Despite the uncertainty, Palestinians in Gaza have celebrated the announcement, even though the bloodshed has not ceased.
As independent journalist Shrouq Aila reported from Deir al-Balah, since the announcement, more than 70 people have been killed, with bombings continuing across Gaza.
The mood among Gazans is one of mixed emotions — hope tempered with heartbreak and uncertainty. For many, the deal is not a moment of celebration, but one of reflection on the immense suffering endured.
Jagjit Singh
Los Altos, Calif.
The return of loved ones after 15 months in captivity is indeed a joyous event. However, it is also a big win for the terrorists.
Knowing that a civilized nation like Israel could not write off the hostages as collateral damage, Hamas’ butchers held the hostages as their ace in the hole. Hamas gets to replenish its troops with the return of scores of Palestinian prisoners.
This is not a win for Israel, it is confirmation that a war by a civilized nation against terrorists cannot be won by civilized means.
Robert Mangi
Garden City
Biden is taking credit for the hostage release and cease-fire. I think it has something to do with what President-elect Donald Trump said a few weeks ago when he stated “all hell will break out” if hostages are not released and there is no cease-fire.
All foreign countries are probably scared of him right now.
Jimmy Durda
The Bronx
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