The former U.S. National Security Adviser, John Bolton, voiced his criticism over the Hamas hostage and cease-fire agreement.
What Happened: Bolton, who also served as the Ambassador to the U.N. in the Donald Trump administration, during the Cats & Cosby radio show, termed the deal, which includes a hostage-criminal exchange from Israeli prisons, as a “bad deal for Israel.”
"The deal itself, at least as I understand the terms as they've been announced, is a very bad deal for Israel," Bolton said.
The deal, announced on Tuesday, will result in the release of around 50 hostages held by Hamas over four days. The agreement also stipulates the release of an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners. The agreement requires a halt in conflict between both parties during the exchange period, extended by a day for every ten hostages freed.
Bolton suggested that the acceptance of the deal by Israel was due to pressure from the Joe Biden-led administration, which Bolton perceives as not providing the same level of support to Israel as before.
“I don't see how this, on net, benefits Israel strategically,” said Bolton during his appearance. He also suggested that time is on the side of Hamas in this scenario.
Why It Matters: The deal is the result of extensive negotiation between the U.S., Qatar, Israel, and Hamas, which is expected to create an opportunity for increased humanitarian aid in the region. Despite this, Bolton emphasized the continued threat faced by Israeli citizens from not just Hamas but also Hezbollah and Iran at a fundamental level.
Meanwhile, at the onset of the conflict, more than 1,200 Israelis lost their lives in the incident that led to hostage-taking. Subsequently, Israel’s air and ground operations have caused the death of over 12,000 Palestinians, including more than 4,600 children, as per the Gaza Health Ministry.
John Bolton Photo by paparazzza on Shutterstock
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