Photo credit: www.yahoo.com
CAIRO (AP) — Israel and Hamas are reportedly making progress towards a ceasefire agreement that could potentially bring an end to the prolonged conflict in Gaza, lasting 14 months, and facilitate the return of numerous hostages held in the region.
However, previous negotiations have faltered, primarily due to disagreements on key issues. Current discussions continue to face significant obstacles.
The proposed agreement would unfold in phases, starting with a cessation of hostilities, a swap of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, and a significant increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza, as stated by officials from Egypt, Hamas, and the United States. The concluding phase would ideally see the release of remaining hostages, culminating in an end to hostilities and discussions regarding reconstruction efforts.
Despite the reported optimism from both Israel and Hamas regarding a potential agreement, critical points of contention persist, particularly concerning the exchange of hostages for prisoners and the future positioning of Israeli forces within Gaza. According to White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, discussions are actively focusing on the names of hostages and prisoners involved in the exchanges, along with the status of Israeli military presence during the ceasefire.
Key Issues Impeding Agreement
The first major challenge concerns the hostage release. After the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas that took approximately 250 individuals captive, a previous truce in November 2023 resulted in the release of over 100 hostages. In the current climate, it is estimated that around 100 hostages still remain in Gaza, with a portion likely having perished during the initial attack or since then.
Negotiators are currently deliberating on which hostages will be part of the initial release, amidst ongoing disagreements about both the number and identity of those to be released. It’s anticipated that the initial group would primarily comprise women, the elderly, and those with medical needs.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces increasing pressure from the families of hostages for a more comprehensive deal that would secure the release of all hostages simultaneously, reflecting concerns that a fractured agreement could lead to further losses among those still in captivity.
The second point focuses on the release of Palestinian prisoners. Israel is expected to release hundreds of incarcerated Palestinians, including several with convictions tied to violent acts. There remains a divide on the extent of this release, with Hamas advocating for the inclusion of high-profile individuals. Netanyahu’s coalition includes hardliners opposed to such releases, further complicating negotiations.
Israeli media reports highlight a disagreement over whether prisoners considered more dangerous will be exiled rather than released back into areas adjacent to Israel.
The third issue pertains to the return of Palestinians displaced by the conflict. With about 90% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million having been uprooted, the arrangements for repatriation and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas are contentious. While some return would likely be authorized, specifics concerning the size of the pullback and the numbers allowed to return remain undetermined. Israel’s reluctance to allow returns to northern regions—still heavily monitored by its military due to potential insurgent activity—indicates ongoing security concerns.
Critics assert that there are underlying motives behind Israel’s actions, with some even labeling them as a form of ethnic cleansing in the besieged northern sectors of Gaza. Past actions and proposals suggest a strategy to isolate remaining militants by denying essential supplies and humanitarian support.
Simultaneously, Israeli officials express a desire to maintain control over strategic territories adjacent to Gaza, especially along the border with Egypt, to counter potential militant threats. Hamas, in contrast, is pushing for a complete Israeli withdrawal as a condition for any ceasefire.
In a recent interview, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed hope that an agreement could be reached before President Joe Biden’s term concludes in January 2024. “Everyone is pushing on this,” Blinken remarked, emphasizing the urgency of resolving the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and ensuring the safe return of hostages.
___
Goldenberg reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. AP correspondents Matthew Lee and Aamer Madhani contributed reporting from Washington.
Source
www.yahoo.com