Should he win the Nobel Peace Prize? Donald Trump has achieved what once seemed impossible: a ceasefire and the return of the hostages. But some say his new deal is destined to fail.
Victorious Trump hails ‘historic dawn’
Scenes of jubilation: Trump is being hailed as a hero in Israel after a ceasefire secured the release of 20 Israeli hostages. Comprehension quiz
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The word “annexation” in this context means:
A: The process of negotiating a peace treaty.
B: The act of forcibly taking control of another group or country’s territory.
C: The withdrawal of troops from an occupied area.
D: A vote held by a parliament.
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Which word is the closest synonym for “instrumental”?
A: Unimportant
B: Musical
C: Influential
D: Unsuccessful
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According to the article, what condition has Hamas previously set for giving up its weapons?
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How does the writer cast doubt on the long-term success of Trump’s peace deals?
A: By stating that Trump only wants a Nobel Peace Prize.
B: By focusing on the celebrations in Tel Aviv.
C: By questioning how lasting previous deals have been and quoting sceptics who say the “easy part” is over.
D: By describing the joy of the released prisoners.
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The article mentions two different groups of people who were released. Identify who they were.
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In your own words, summarise two of the major obstacles to a lasting peace that are mentioned in the article.
Answers
Tap to reveal
1. B 2. C 3. Hamas has insisted it will only hand over its weapons if a Palestinian state is established. 4. C 5. The last 20 hostages taken on 7 October 2023 and Palestinian prisoners. 6. Any two of the following points: Israel is unwilling to end the occupation or accept a Palestinian state. Hamas will not disarm unless a Palestinian state is created. The Palestinian leadership is divided and unpopular, which limits their ability to negotiate.
1. B 2. C 3. Hamas has insisted it will only hand over its weapons if a Palestinian state is established. 4. C 5. The last 20 hostages taken on 7 October 2023 and Palestinian prisoners. 6. Any two of the following points: Israel is unwilling to end the occupation or accept a Palestinian state. Hamas will not disarm unless a Palestinian state is created. The Palestinian leadership is divided and unpopular, which limits their ability to negotiate.
Glossary
7 October - On 7 October 2023, the Palestinian group Hamas, which controls Gaza, carried out a series of surprise attacks on Israel, killing more than 1,000 people and taking more than 200 hostages.
Gaza - The smaller of two Palestinian territories, home to two million people. It is located on the Mediterranean coast, bordered by Israel and Egypt.
Tel Aviv - A major city in Israel, founded in 1909.
West Bank - A landlocked territory bordered by Israel, Jordan and the Dead Sea. It is the largest of the Palestinian territories.
Jubilation - Joy.
Deported - Forcibly removed from the country.
Egypt - A country linking northeast Africa with the Middle East.
Nobel Peace Prize - An annual award given to an individual or organisation working towards peace. Past winners include Barack Obama, Malala Yousafzai and the European Union.
Benjamin Netanyahu - The prime minister of Israel.
Hamas - A militant Palestinian organisation, which has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007. It is listed as a terrorist organisation in the UK.
Occupation - When one state takes over and controls area of another. Also a term for a job or profession.
Annexation - In 2014, Russia invaded and took over the control of the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine. It has occupied Crimea ever since.
Disillusioned - Disappointed after finding out something is less good than you once thought.