While the deal between Israel and Hamas will free Jewish hostages and end the Gaza war, it only freezes the Middle East conflict until it inevitably flares up again.
Supporters of Israeli hostages react to news of the peace deal during a protest in Tel Aviv. Reuters
The Gaza ceasefire deal will rightly be celebrated on many levels, not least because it will finally secure freedom for the surviving Israeli hostages and humanitarian relief for Palestinians after more than year of deadly bombardment, displacement and food shortages.
But unless accompanied by fundamental changes, Thursday’s announcement essentially freezes the Middle East conflict until it inevitably flares up again.
Andrew TillettForeign affairs, defence correspondentAndrew Tillett writes on politics, foreign affairs, defence and security from the Canberra press gallery. Connect with Andrew on Facebook and Twitter. Email Andrew at andrew.tillett@afr.com
