What is a ceasefire?

In this episode of The Sunday Story, NPR correspondents Aya Batrawy and Daniel Estrin discuss the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas and why it is not progressing as planned. They explain that despite the agreement, there have been ongoing airstrikes and exchanges of fire, but both sides claim to be abiding by the ceasefire. The initial phase of the plan, involving the exchange of hostages and prisoners and the surge of humanitarian aid, has faced complications. Hamas is accused of not returning all bodies of dead hostages, while Israel is criticized for impeding the flow of aid into Gaza. The transition to the next phase, which includes Hamas disarming and the introduction of an international stabilization force, is stalled due to disagreements over security arrangements and the role of international troops. The speakers highlight the potential consequences of a stagnant ceasefire for Palestinians in Gaza, including continued instability and delayed reconstruction. They also explore the long-term goals of the ceasefire, including the potential for a Palestinian state, and the challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead.