As World Awaits Hamas Ceasefire-Hostage Deal Decision, Israelis Weigh Benefits, Pitfalls

The U.S., Israel, and many around the world are waiting to see if Hamas will finally accept a ceasefire-hostage deal, but many in Israel are not happy about it. Others are looking at the more practical aspects of the proposed deal.

The only barrier to an agreement seems to be Hamas' full and final approval.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, whose term in office will end Monday, stated, "For the past several months, Hamas has played the spoiler. But over the past several weeks, our intensive efforts have brought us to the brink of full and final agreement."

Yet, many Israelis are wondering how the proposal can be a good agreement since its three stages are dragged out over months, it doesn't destroy Hamas as a fighting force, and it allows thousands of terrorists with blood on their hands to go free.

"The first stage alone is spread over 42 days, and an awful lot can go wrong in 42 days," noted Middle East analyst Nomi Bar-Yaacov. She added, "And there can be provocations on either side."