Is the war over? The US has made Israel and Hamas accept a ceasefire which aims to be the groundwork for a peace plan. But not everyone is certain it will work.
Peace deal makes ‘all the world happy’
Peace and the people: Israeli civilians are celebrating the initial deal with relief and joy, and Palestinians in Gaza are relieved at the prospect of a ceasefire, while remaining cautious about long-term peace and the possibility of a renewed conflict. Comprehension quiz
-
What does the word “attainable” in this context mean?
-
Which word is the closest synonym for “elation”?
A: Disappointment
B: Extreme sadness
C: Great joy and excitement
D: Confusion
-
According to the article, why did the vicious war begin on 7 Oct 2023?
A: Israel invaded Gaza in response to earlier attacks.
B: Hamas attacked both military bases and civilian gatherings in southern Israel.
C: The United Nations called for a “momentous opportunity” for peace.
D: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it “a great day for Israel”.
-
According to the ceasefire agreement mentioned in the article, what will Hamas do in return for Israel withdrawing its troops?
A: Israel will approve the 20-point peace plan.
B: Hamas will release all the remaining Israeli hostages.
C: Gaza will be run by an international government.
D: Hamas will ensure a “fundamental transformation” of the PA.
-
The agreement is slated to be just the beginning of a 20-point peace plan, which Trump revealed last week. Which of the following best explains why the success of the ceasefire is uncertain?
A: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was “a great day for Israel”.
B: World leaders, including Canada’s Mark Carney, say “peace finally feels attainable”.
C: Previous ceasefires have “collapsed” and they are “impermanent by nature”.
D: The deal was negotiated without the direct involvement of Hamas or Israel.
-
The article mentions that the war has resulted in a widespread famine and that many human rights groups believe Israel’s actions “constitute genocide”. Given the strong, opposing views on the conflict, why might it be difficult for a long-term peace plan to succeed, even with a ceasefire in place?
Answers
Tap to reveal
1: Capable of being achieved, 2: C, 3: B, 4: B, 5: C, 6: Your views!
1: Capable of being achieved, 2: C, 3: B, 4: B, 5: C, 6: Your views!
Glossary
Gaza - The smaller of two Palestinian territories, home to two million people. It is located on the Mediterranean coast, bordered by Israel and Egypt.
Hamas - A militant Palestinian organisation, which has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007. It is listed as a terrorist organisation in the UK.
Ceasefire - An end to fighting — often temporary.
Elation - Great joy.
Gaza strip - The smaller of two Palestinian territories, home to two million people. It is located on the Mediterranean coast, surrounded by Israel and Egypt.
United Nations - An international organisation focused on keeping peace. Its refugee agency, the UNHCR, aims to assist refugees around the world.
Genocide - The annihilation of a people, either through killing of its members, or through the suppression of its culture.
Apartheid - A system of legally-enshrined racial discrimination and oppression which existed in South Africa from 1948 until the 1990s. It denied non-white South Africans basic human rights.
Impermanent - Not permanent.
West Bank - A landlocked territory bordered by Israel, Jordan and the Dead Sea. It is the largest of the Palestinian territories.
Ultranationalist - An extremist form of nationalism.
Expletive - A swear word, curse, or offensive expression.
Demilitarised - An area is kept free of military forces, weapons, and fortifications.