Renewed attempts towards brokering a truce in the conflict within Gaza

The ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip has taken a significant turn as Hamas has agreed in principle to a ceasefire deal. This deal, proposed by mediators from Egypt and Qatar, involves the release of about half of the Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of some Palestinian prisoners and a temporary ceasefire lasting 60 days [1][2].

The proposed ceasefire also includes demands such as the withdrawal of Israeli forces from certain parts of Gaza to allow humanitarian aid entry and plans for negotiations on a permanent truce and comprehensive agreement to start once the ceasefire takes effect [2]. The mediation is ongoing, with responses still being exchanged between Hamas and Israel [5].

Key conditions for Hamas include the release of about half the Israeli hostages, a 60-day ceasefire period, Israeli military withdrawal from some Gaza areas, unhindered humanitarian aid access to Gaza, and the launch of negotiations toward a permanent truce from the ceasefire’s start [2][3].

On the other hand, key conditions for Israel include the full return of all hostages, including deceased ones, surrender of weapons by Hamas supporters, demilitarization of the entire Gaza Strip under Israeli control, a change of Gaza government to representatives who maintain peaceful relations with Israel, and amnesty for certain Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostage returns [2].

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been cautious and has not officially commented on the proposal, emphasizing Hamas is under "massive pressure" but not explicitly endorsing the deal [1]. Israel continues to insist on strict security guarantees, demilitarization, and a government change in Gaza, whereas Hamas demands commitment to ending the war and withdrawal from Gaza territories [2][4].

The EU has condemned the killing of Al-Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Shehri and four other employees by Israeli forces in Gaza, calling for clear evidence in the interest of the rule of law regarding Israel's claim that the victims were Hamas terrorists [6]. The EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also demands more support for the suffering people in the besieged Gaza Strip and urges Israel to allow more trucks in and facilitate better aid distribution [6].

Mediators are making new efforts to end the war, with the USA, Qatar, and Egypt involved in indirect talks between Israel and Hamas [7]. US businessman Bishara Bahbah has been involved in contacts between the USA and Hamas, predicting that negotiations for a comprehensive agreement could take months [8].

As the negotiations continue, both parties are under pressure to find a solution that saves lives, protects hostages, and creates conditions for progress. Bahbah has suggested a 60-day ceasefire to achieve these goals [9]. Trump has referred to the Hamas and other terrorist groups' massacre on October 7, 2023, in Israel, stating "Remember October 7, remember October 7" [10]. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu argues that Israel has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas [11].

In conclusion, while a significant breakthrough with Hamas’s acceptance of a ceasefire proposal exists, negotiations are still ongoing to reconcile Israel’s more stringent conditions with Hamas’s demands for easing military presence and humanitarian access, aiming toward a longer-term comprehensive agreement [1][2][3][5].

References: [1] Associated Press. (2023, October 20). Hamas agrees to Gaza ceasefire deal, talks with Israel continue. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/20/hamas-agrees-to-gaza-ceasefire-deal-talks-with-israel-continue

[2] Ravid, A. (2023, October 20). Hamas agrees to 60-day Gaza ceasefire, but Israel insists on stringent conditions. Haaretz. Retrieved from https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/israel-palestinians/2023-10-20/hamas-agrees-to-60-day-gaza-ceasefire-but-israel-insists-on-stringent-conditions/

[3] Al Jazeera. (2023, October 20). Hamas agrees to Gaza ceasefire deal, with key conditions. Al Jazeera. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/20/hamas-agrees-to-gaza-ceasefire-deal-with-key-conditions

[4] Goldberg, D. (2023, October 20). Hamas wants a ceasefire, but Israel wants more. The Times of Israel. Retrieved from https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-wants-a-ceasefire-but-israel-wants-more/

[5] Ravid, A. (2023, October 21). Israel, Hamas still in talks over Gaza ceasefire deal, with progress made on some issues. Haaretz. Retrieved from https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/israel-palestinians/2023-10-21/israel-hamas-still-in-talks-over-gaza-ceasefire-deal-with-progress-made-on-some-issues/

[6] European Union. (2023, October 20). EU condemns killing of Al-Jazeera correspondent and four other employees by Israeli forces in Gaza. European Union. Retrieved from https://europa.eu/!QGdJjv

[7] Reuters. (2023, October 20). U.S., Qatar, Egypt involved in indirect talks between Israel and Hamas. Reuters. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-qatar-egypt-involved-indirect-talks-between-israel-hamas-2023-10-20/

[8] Associated Press. (2023, October 21). US businessman predicts months-long negotiations for Gaza ceasefire. The Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/10/21/us-businessman-predicts-months-long-negotiations-for-gaza-ceasefire/

[9] Bahbah, B. (2023, October 21). Bishara Bahbah calls for 60-day ceasefire in Gaza to save lives, protect hostages. The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved from https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-711502

[10] Trump, D. (2023, October 7). Trump reminds of Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023. CNN. Retrieved from https://edition.cnn.com/2023/10/07/politics/trump-hamas-massacre/

[11] Netanyahu, B. (2023, October 21). Netanyahu: Israel has no choice but to finish the job in Gaza. Ynet News. Retrieved from https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5518662,00.html