Smoke rises from an explosion in Gaza, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, near the Israel-Gaza border as seen from Israel, August 21, 2024. REUTERS/Amir Cohen/File Photo
Ceasefire Negotiations Stalled by Disagreements Over Gaza Military Presence and Prisoner Releases
Key Issues Blocking Ceasefire Agreement
Disagreements between Israel and Hamas regarding Israel’s future military presence in Gaza and the release of Palestinian prisoners are currently obstructing a ceasefire and hostage deal. According to ten sources familiar with the recent U.S.-mediated talks, including two Hamas officials and three Western diplomats, the disagreements arose from new demands introduced by Israel after Hamas had already accepted a version of the ceasefire proposal initially unveiled by U.S. President Joe Biden in May.
Concerns Over the Netzarim and Philadelphi Corridors
A major point of contention is Israel’s demand to maintain a military presence along the Netzarim Corridor, an east-west strip that Israel cleared during the ongoing conflict. This area prevents the free movement of Palestinians between northern and southern Gaza. Additionally, Israel’s control over the Philadelphi Corridor, a narrow strip along Gaza’s border with Egypt, remains a sensitive issue. Hamas views these demands as a last-minute change by Israel, leading to concerns that any concessions it makes will result in further demands.
Reactions from the Parties Involved
Hamas has expressed frustration with Israel’s latest conditions, urging mediators to adhere to the implementation of a July framework agreement rather than reopening negotiations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, however, denied making new demands, stating that the latest proposals build on previous agreements. Israel’s proposal includes a mechanism to ensure that only unarmed civilians would be allowed to return to northern Gaza, with suggestions of an Israeli military presence to prevent Hamas fighters’ movement.
U.S. Efforts to Bridge Differences
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently concluded a trip to the region, seeking a breakthrough in the negotiations. After meeting with Netanyahu, Blinken announced that Israel had accepted a new U.S. proposal aimed at narrowing the differences between the parties. He urged Hamas to reciprocate, emphasizing the need to finalize detailed implementation agreements to put the ceasefire into effect.
Challenges in Reaching an Agreement
Despite ongoing efforts, key issues remain unresolved. A Western diplomat noted that the U.S. has accepted some of Israel’s proposed changes, including a continued Israeli military presence in the disputed corridors. However, a U.S. official contested this, stating that negotiations are ongoing to resolve disagreements over these corridors and other topics such as the number of Palestinian prisoners to be released.
Next Steps in the Negotiations
The next round of talks is expected to take place in Cairo, with key negotiators from the U.S., Israel, Qatar, and Egypt in attendance. Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani is expected to visit Tehran before heading to Cairo, according to sources close to the talks. The U.S. bridging proposal, which includes “massive and immediate benefits” for the people of Gaza, has been met with mixed reactions, with Hamas rejecting certain Israeli demands and expressing concerns over the continuation of Israeli military presence.
Implications for the Philadelphi Corridor
Control over the Philadelphi Corridor, a crucial area between Gaza and Egypt, remains particularly sensitive for Cairo. Egypt is willing to enhance security measures in the corridor but rejects the presence of Israeli troops. Israel, which seized control of the corridor in May, argues that it was used by Hamas for smuggling weapons into Gaza. The resulting closure of the Rafah crossing has severely impacted humanitarian aid and medical evacuations, challenging Egypt’s role as a broker at the only border crossing into Gaza not directly controlled by Israel.
Prisoner Releases and Peace Efforts
The issue of Palestinian prisoner releases has become another significant obstacle. Hamas officials have stated that Israel’s refusal to release certain prisoners, coupled with a demand for the deportation of others, has led to a rejection of the American-Israeli proposal. Despite efforts by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt to mediate, the multiple disputes between Israel and Hamas continue to prevent a ceasefire agreement, prolonging the 10-month conflict in Gaza.
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