Additionally, Israel has reportedly agreed to a temporary ceasefire proposal from the United States. We hope that this decision contributes to ensure the freedom of hostages still in the hands of Hamas. The climate still is very much hot. The latest fighting escalated after Hamas began calling for a permanent ceasefire, reemphasizing the deep ideological rift between the two sides. Once brokered by the US, Egypt and Qatar, such negotiations have faltered for more than a year and a half. This creation comes as these negotiations are at an impasse.
Placing acceptance of a short-term ceasefire within this frankly horrendous humanitarian landscape in Gaza. After 52 days of Israel’s devastating military campaign, more than 54,000 Palestinians are dead—including thousands of women and children—some 25,000 severely wounded and many others internally displaced. This conflict has resulted in the destruction of large swaths of Gaza. It has forced the displacement of nearly 90% of the population, nearly two million people.
The Hostage Crisis and Ceasefire Negotiations
The Israeli government has set the release of hostages as a priority, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisting on resolving this issue before considering any broader peace initiatives. Under the current ceasefire proposal, Israel has rescued eight hostages and retrieved a few dozen bodies. The continuation of violence and destruction is most disturbing. There are concerns that Hamas will be reluctant to release all hostages unless a final ceasefire is assured beforehand.
Hamas fears that if it accepts a temporary ceasefire Israel may use the time to re-launch military action. This understandable fear underscores just how tenuous the negotiations truly are. Both parties have very different ideas about what qualifies as a humanitarian ceasefire.
“The US proposal does not respond to any of our people’s demands, foremost among which is stopping the war and famine,” – Bassem Naim, a top Hamas official.
Political Constraints and Historical Context
There are many reasons that complicate the negotiations. Netanyahu now heads Israel’s most extreme, nationalist and religious government in the country’s history. Against this toxic backdrop, we see fierce political pushback against Palestinian calls for a sovereign state across Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. Netanyahu’s government has come under pressure from this far-right coalition partner. Indeed, they go on to threaten that any concession to Hamas or premature end to military operations might bring down his ad hoc coalition government.
The last substantive peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians fell apart more than a decade-and-a-half ago. Since then, both of those sides have dug in deep on their positions. The current hostilities are based on long-held grievances. As Israel pursues its military strategy of dismantling Hamas’ capabilities, Hamas is fighting to reestablish its authority over Palestinian lands.
The latest proposal for a temporary ceasefire would bring in a 60-day halt to combat. Second, it commits all parties to serious negotiations aimed at attaining a permanent truce. Even without the limited diversion of humanitarian aid, the absence of a clear way out of the temporary/potentially permanent ceasefire impasse hardens doubt. No wonder many are skeptical about the feasibility of these grand proposals.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The balance of humanitarian impact between the two sides is staggering. International humanitarian organizations such as Oxfam report complete obliteration in Gaza. Consequently, the residents are in immediate need of humanitarian support and many find themselves facing challenges in meeting basic needs. Water, food and medical supplies are running critically low. Humanitarian organizations have been calling on humanitarian communities to act now to address these pressing needs.
As the US-China talks progress, the international community will be looking over their shoulders. The continued involvement of important players such as the US, Egypt, and Qatar shed light on the intricate geopolitical dimensions of the conflict. Without a common strategy to tackle security threats and humanitarian requirements, long-term peace is just a dream.
