current as of 10AM EST, 22NOV23
HOSTAGE DEAL UPDATES
Israel and Hamas officials agreed to a short-term truce in exchange for hostages held by both sides which is set to begin tomorrow, November 23, at 10am local time (3am EST). International observers note longer term prospects for the crisis are tenuous as Israel plans to resume its air and ground campaign to “complete the eradication of Hamas” once the agreement concludes. In the meantime, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are continuing their offensive in the Gaza Strip, and an IDF spokesman said they carried out additional attacks on Hamas infrastructure and fighters.
- The agreement allows for the release of at least 50 women and children held hostage in Gaza in exchange for a four-day pause in Israel’s ground and air assault in the Strip. It will also include the entry of aid and fuel and the release of 150 women and children in Israeli prisons. The released hostages could include several Israeli-American women and children currently held by Hamas.
- Israeli President Herzog called the deal with Hamas “painful and difficult,” and National Security Minister Gvir slammed the truce agreement, arguing the pause in fighting sets a “dangerous precedent.” Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said for every ten hostages that are released, there will be an additional day of a pause in fighting. Palestinian President Abbas also welcomed the deal, but renewed his calls for a full ceasefire, according to Palestinian press reporting.
- The hostage deal, which was brokered with the help of Qatari and U.S. officials, was welcomed by the foreign ministers in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan who emphasized the deal should be extended. Chinese and Russian officials also expressed support for the deal.
Many international observers remain optimistic the agreement will allow more aid into the Gaza Strip, with the goal of 400 trucks entering the territory every day. According to the United Nations, more than 1.7 million people have been displaced in Gaza since October 7, and up to 50 percent of buildings in northern Gaza and Gaza governorates are damaged.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Despite the agreement between Israel and Hamas, we continue to urge anyone with business interests in Israel and the surrounding regions to exercise extreme caution, and to consider postponing any upcoming travel. We also encourage travelers to avoid all demonstrations and maintain awareness of their surroundings in areas with protest activity. Travelers and businesses should also consider:
- Watching for updated U.S. Department of State worldwide travel advisories.
- Avoiding travel to Lebanon and delaying travel in and around Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other portions of the Gulf.
- Reaching out to Concentric’s experts for support. Concentric can provide:
- Emergency evacuation and secure transportation, and support from local partners;
- Active monitoring and intelligence support, including tailored risk and travel assessments;
- Tailored security consulting;
- Executive protection agents;
- Cybersecurity and digital privacy protection.
If you are interested in a briefing with Concentric’s Chief Executive Officer Mike LeFever or a member of Concentric’s team on any of these topics, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We recommend companies based in Israel to continue taking steps to protect their businesses and employees. Corporations should consider evacuating staff from offices inside Israel or ask employees to work from home.
CONCENTRIC CAN HELP
If you or your business needs help in or around Israel, please reach out to Concentric’s experts for support. Concentric can provide:
- Emergency evacuation and secure transportation.
- Support from local and regional partners.
- Active monitoring and intelligence support, including tailored reports and briefings.
- Travel and risk assessments.
- Tailored security consulting.
- Executive protection agents.
- Cybersecurity and digital privacy protection.
If anyone is interested in a briefing with Concentric’s Chief Executive Officer Mike LeFever or a member of Concentric’s team on any of these topics, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Feature image source.
