Palestinians carry bags of flour they grabbed from an aid truck near an Israeli checkpoint, as Gaza residents face crisis levels of hunger, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Gaza City, February 19, 2024. REUTERS/Kosay Al Nemer/File Photo
Mediators are poised to reconvene in Cairo, potentially as soon as Sunday, in pursuit of a mutually acceptable framework for a sustained ceasefire in Gaza, according to four sources familiar with the ongoing negotiations. This effort comes amid mounting pressure for a cessation of hostilities ahead of the Ramadan period.
Israeli and Hamas delegations are anticipated to arrive in Cairo, as indicated by two Egyptian security sources. However, another source briefed on the talks suggested that Israel would withhold its delegation until it receives a comprehensive list of surviving hostages. Expectations for a pause in hostilities had heightened following previous mediation efforts in Doha by Qatar and Egypt, as well as indications from U.S. President Joe Biden suggesting proximity to an agreement.
Hamas remains steadfast in its stance that any temporary ceasefire must serve as a precursor to broader efforts aimed at terminating the conflict entirely, as conveyed by the Egyptian sources and a Hamas official. Nevertheless, assurances have purportedly been extended to Hamas regarding the formulation of terms for a permanent ceasefire in subsequent phases of the agreement. The initial phase, projected to span approximately six weeks, has reportedly been settled upon.
However, Hamas has yet to respond to queries concerning the sufficiency of these assurances for proceeding with the proposed six-week pause. Notwithstanding, a Palestinian official familiar with the mediation process emphasized persisting disparities concerning the cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of forces from Gaza.
A senior U.S. administration official disclosed that the foundational framework for a six-week pause has been established with Israel’s consent, contingent upon Hamas releasing hostages held in Gaza since its incursions into southern Israel on October 7th. Conversely, Israel has stipulated its participation in further discussions on the condition that Hamas clarifies the number of hostages slated for release and confirms their status.
Hamas has reported approximately 70 casualties resulting from Israel’s military operations. Furthermore, Israel seeks Hamas’ agreement to a designated ratio of Palestinian prisoners to be exchanged for each hostage. The details of a draft proposal presented in Paris in February, forwarded to Hamas this week, indicate advancements on several fronts and propose an overarching ratio of 10 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel for every hostage.
The completion of a ceasefire agreement necessitates concurrence on the withdrawal of Israeli forces from northern Gaza and the repatriation of displaced residents to the southern region of the coastal enclave, as outlined by the Egyptian sources. Nonetheless, the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza is not deemed the principal obstacle from Israel’s perspective.
The draft proposal also includes commitments to augment humanitarian assistance to Gaza, addressing critical shortages of food and medicine amidst the displacement of over a million individuals from their homes. Uncertainty prevails regarding whether the recent incident on Thursday, which resulted in numerous Palestinian casualties as people awaited aid near Gaza City, might impact the timeline for reaching an agreement.
While departing the White House on Friday, President Biden acknowledged ongoing efforts toward a ceasefire but noted that definitive progress had not yet been attained. Nonetheless, Egyptian and U.S. negotiators remain optimistic about the prospect of reaching either a partial or comprehensive agreement by the middle of the ensuing week.
Efforts to reach a resolution are underscored by significant pressure on Hamas after five months of conflict, according to a U.S. official and a regional diplomat. Israel’s military campaign, launched in response to Hamas’ October 7th assault resulting in numerous casualties and hostage seizures, has precipitated an unparalleled humanitarian crisis, prompting international interventions such as food air drops as traditional aid channels dwindle.
The death toll among Palestinians in Gaza since October 7th has surpassed 30,000, as reported by enclave health authorities. Amidst mounting public appeals, some Palestinians advocate for a ceasefire to facilitate the reopening of bakeries and the return of displaced persons to their homes in northern Gaza in time for Ramadan.
President Biden’s remarks regarding imminent progress toward a deal have kindled hope among Gaza’s populace, heightening pressure on Hamas to accept terms conducive to a permanent ceasefire. Notwithstanding, Hamas is confronted with dwindling military resources and aspirations for a sustainable cessation of hostilities.
The United States has advocated for a six-week truce, anticipating challenges for Israel in resuming military operations thereafter, as per a U.S. official. While Israel has expressed readiness for a temporary cessation contingent upon a hostage-and-prisoner exchange, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his commitment to achieving “total victory” over Hamas, followed by sustained Israeli security oversight in Gaza.
Mediators have explored various avenues to secure Israel’s endorsement of a permanent ceasefire, including the establishment of a security buffer zone between Israel and the Gaza Strip, alongside provisions for joint Israeli-Egyptian monitoring of the Egypt-Gaza border.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry expressed optimism on Friday regarding the prospect of a cessation of hostilities before Ramadan, expected to commence on March 10th or 11th. Requests for comments from Israel, Hamas, Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. State Department remained unanswered at the time of reporting.
COMMENTS