Fighting paused in Gaza as Israel and Hamas honoured a ceasefire that allowed hostages to be released after 470 days in captivity in the Gaza strip – both Hamas and Israel failed
For Palestinians and Israelis, yesterday was a moment of relief and regret.
There was relief that a ceasefire has finally been agreed but regret at lives lost and destruction caused during the 470-day war. The immediate task is to secure the fragile truce so more hostages can be freed and more aid can reach the people of destroyed Gaza.
The majority of the victims of this brutal conflict have been innocent civilians. Tens of thousands have died and millions more have been left homeless and starving.
Rebuilding a habitable Gaza will take time but rebuilding the conditions for a lasting peace will take even longer. The war proved only one thing: that violence does not work.
Hamas failed in its aim of destroying Israel, while Israel’s use of excessive force radicalised a new generation of Palestinians.
Danger ahead
It is impossible to view another four years of Donald Trump without foreboding.
During his first term in the White House he was constrained by the Cabinet and Congress. This time he has surrounded himself with cronies and the Republicans have control in the Senate and the House of Representatives.
This leaves Mr Trump with the power to sow discord both domestically and internationally. He plans to expel millions of migrants, replace civil servants with partisan supporters and pardon protesters who tried to subvert democracy. Overseas, he threatens to unleash trade wars and rip up climate change treaties.
He has left a question mark over the future of Nato and raised fears he could force Ukraine to strike an unacceptable deal with Russia.
America’s allies will hope for the best but could justifiably fear for the worst.
Thrifty champ
Tyson Fury may have millions in the bank but the ring king still uses his council-run leisure centre.
He clearly boxes clever when it comes to his hard-earned money.