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My neighborhood was completely wiped out of existence, but I can't wait to go back and build it

over there, over the rubble of my own house, where I could at least feel at home.

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas promises to stop the killing, at least temporarily.

But it does not end the conflict.

It's Thursday, January 16th, and this is here and now anytime. From NPR and

WB-WR, I'm Chris Bentley. Today on the show, the ceasefire could mean more badly needed aid

for Gaza. Also, with President Biden leaving office in a matter of days, we'll consider what

policies his administration is put in place and how long they'll have an impact. But first,

a bad deal is better than no deal. So says our first guest about the ceasefire agreement

between Israel and Hamas. It would pause the 15-month

war in Gaza for six weeks, starting Sunday, to allow for an exchange of Israelis held hostage by

Hamas for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel. That's the first phase. After that, it could ultimately

end the war, but that's not guaranteed.

As of Thursday afternoon, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had not convened his cabinet to vote on the deal.

American Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said today it will go forward, as planned.

But Israel continues to bombard Gaza, killing more than 70 Palestinians just

last night, according to Gaza health officials. Robin Young spoke earlier to former Israeli

hostage negotiator Gershon Baskin of the Human Rights Advocacy Group International Communities

Organization. Here's their conversation. These have been terrible months, these past 15 months for everyone in this region.

...