The prospect of peace in Gaza

World should help firewall fragile ceasefire deal from churn in Israel politics, restart rehabilitation of Palestinians

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The deal between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire in Gaza is a welcome development after 15 months of a brutal conflict that has caused untold suffering for millions of people, although several questions remain about the understanding reached by the two sides at the prodding of mediators such as the United States and Qatar. What is known so far is that the first phase of the truce will last six weeks and will involve the exchange of hostages taken by Hamas for prisoners held by Israeli authorities.