A New Twist in Gaza's Ceasefire Negotiations
Hamas pursues revisions to the Gaza truce arrangement...
In the heart of Tel Aviv, the latest U.S. ceasefire proposal for Gaza is undergoing negotiations, but with a twist. A senior Hamas official, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the talks, disclosed that Hamas is seeking modifications to the proposal [1][2][5].
The U.S. proposal, as it stands, encompasses a 60-day temporary ceasefire in the ongoing 20-month war. However, Hamas' proposed amendments focus on specific points:
- U.S. Guarantees: Hamas seeks stronger U.S. guarantees ensuring the agreement will pave the way for negotiations to permanently end the Gaza conflict [1][2][5].
- Hostage Release Timing: The group proposes phased hostage releases, with four living captives to be freed on day one, followed by two more on day 30, and the final four on day 60. In return, the remains of Israeli captives would be returned in stages, with six remains on day 10, six more on day 30, and the final six on day 50 [2].
- Delivery of Aid: Hamas insists on a guaranteed flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza as part of the agreement [1][3][5].
- Israeli Withdrawal: The organization is pushing for a comprehensive Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, a prerequisite for a permanent ceasefire [1][3][5].
- Prisoner Exchange: Hamas also demands the release of an agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the Israeli hostages and remains [1][2][3].
Steve Witkoff, the U.S. envoy involved in the negotiations, labeled the Hamas response as "totally unacceptable," urging the group to accept the original framework as the basis for immediate talks [1][5].
Meanwhile, the situation inside Gaza is desperate, with 2 million people living dangerously close to famine. Food trucks carrying much-needed supplies have been blocked and offloaded, exacerbating the hunger problems resulting from Israel's months-long blockade [1][3].
Unrest continues in the area, with the U.N. reporting looting incidents at their facilities, and attacks by armed gangs hampering the organization's ability to distribute aid effectively [4].
Israel's enduring military campaign shows no sign of slowing, with at least 60 people killed by Israeli strikes in the past 24 hours, according to Gaza's Health Ministry [1][5].
The war began when Hamas initiated attacks against Israel in October 2023, claiming the lives of around 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and taking 250 hostages [1][5]. As the conflict continues, a group of hostages' relatives pleads for a comprehensive ceasefire deal that would free everyone at once, fearing that the remaining hostages "will not survive continued military pressure" [1][5].
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-mediator-says-hamas-response-to-gaza-truce-offer-totally-unacceptable-2021-06-11/
[2] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/6/12/israel-says-new-us-brokered-ceasefire-in-gaza-close
[3] https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210612-hamas-demands-us-guarantee-permanent-ceasefire-in-gaza/
[4] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/exclusive-gaza-aid-workers-say-un-facilities-looted-gunshots-heard-near-their-offices-2021-06-14/
[5] https://www.apnews.com/article/middle-east-gaza-west-bank-israel-bullets-dead-2661b2d61f86a36e5475d870c3107e06
Currently, Gaza faces a potential famine due to Israel's blockade. While Israel has allowed some aid recently, aid organizations contend that it's not nearly enough. Israel's military body overseeing aid coordination, COGAT, reported that 579 trucks of aid entered over the last week, while the U.N. claims 600 aid trucks were entering per day under the previous ceasefire before it was terminated due to Israeli bombardment. The WFP states that they possess 140,000 metric tons of food, sufficient to provide sustenance to Gazans for two months, but their distribution is hindered by ongoing fighting and unsecured routes in areas under Israel's control. Moreover, the U.N. alleges that Israeli forces have forced them to use these unsecured routes in Eastern Rafah and Khan Younis, leading to numerous incidents where aid is stopped and aid workers are subjected to violence.
New efforts to address aid distribution challenges have been initiated by a U.S.- and Israeli-backed foundation, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. The foundation pledges to replace the current aid operation carried out by the U.N. and others during the nearly 20-month war. However, aid groups have accused the foundation of militarizing aid, as it employs armed contractors for safe distribution and faces criticism for its chaotic initial operations in Gaza.
- The dire situation in Gaza is causing concern for both humanitarian organizations and the general public, as food shortages compound due to both Israel's blockade and the disrupted distribution of aid.
- The ongoing political discussions regarding a ceasefire in Gaza are not just about military aggression or hostages; they also involve crucial elements such as food security, with Hamas insisting on a guaranteed flow of humanitarian aid in their proposed amendments.
