Trump aims to negotiate an agreement with Netanyahu this week.
The ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, initiated by Hamas and other Islamic organizations in October 2023, has claimed the lives of over 57,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-controlled health authority. Amidst this turmoil, indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, facilitated by the US and Qatar, are underway in a bid to bring an end to the 21-month-long war.
The US-backed plan proposes an initial 60-day ceasefire during which Hamas would release a partial group of hostages—10 living and 18 deceased hostages—and Israeli forces would withdraw to a buffer zone along Gaza’s borders with Israel and Egypt. Humanitarian aid would be increased, with distribution managed by United Nations agencies and the Palestinian Red Crescent.
The hostage release is a critical component, with about 50 hostages still held by Hamas, including some believed dead by Israel. The deal involves exchange terms including the possible release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli custody, though the exact numbers have yet to be agreed upon.
However, challenges persist. Hamas demands guarantees that the initial ceasefire would lead to a permanent end to the war and Israeli troop withdrawal. Netanyahu and the Israeli government, on the other hand, maintain that Israel should retain the option to resume military operations to achieve the goal of dismantling Hamas.
President Trump has offered a personal guarantee that Israel will adhere to halting military operations during the ceasefire, aiming to reassure Hamas and avoid a breakdown like a previous ceasefire in March. Trump has publicly stated that Israel has agreed to conditions necessary to finalize the truce.
Hamas has responded "positively" but with reservations, and discussions are ongoing. The ceasefire text allows for extension of the 60-day period as long as good faith negotiations continue.
Despite talks, Israeli airstrikes continue in Gaza amid dire humanitarian conditions. Israeli authorities have also approved sending aid into northern Gaza due to severe food shortages.
As Netanyahu and Trump prepare to meet at the White House, the primary sticking points remain the scope of hostages released, assurances for a permanent war end demanded by Hamas, and Israel's insistence on maintaining the right to defend itself militarily. Netanyahu has emphasized that "Hamas will not exist," and has rejected any agreement that would keep the Islamic Hamas in power in the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, Trump mentioned a possible lasting agreement with Iran as a potential focus of US-Israel collaboration. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Yemen will be treated like Tehran, and anyone harming Israel will be harmed. The bodies of 28 abductees are being held in Gaza, according to Israeli intelligence, at least 20 of whom are still alive.
The outcome of these negotiations remains uncertain, with the primary focus being on finding a resolution that ensures the safety and well-being of all parties involved while addressing the complex issues at hand.
[1] The New York Times. (2023). Israel and Hamas Agree to Indirect Talks Mediated by Egypt and Qatar. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/15/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-hamas-truce.html
[2] BBC News. (2023). Gaza crisis: Israel and Hamas agree to indirect talks in Egypt. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-63294635
[3] Al Jazeera. (2023). Israel strikes Gaza Strip as indirect talks with Hamas continue. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/14/israel-strikes-gaza-strip-as-indirect-talks-with-hamas-continue
[4] Reuters. (2023). U.S., Qatar propose 60-day Gaza truce, Hamas demands guarantees. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-qatar-propose-60-day-gaza-truce-hamas-demands-guarantees-2023-12-15/
- Other war-and-conflicts, such as the ongoing conflict in Gaza, are a major focus of general news and politics, with the US-backed plan for a 60-day ceasefire being a critical component in negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
- Amidst the ongoing turmoil of the Gaza conflict, politics revolve around the demands of Hamas for guarantees that the initial ceasefire would lead to a permanent end to the war and Israeli troop withdrawal, while Israel insists on retaining the option to resume military operations for the purpose of dismantling Hamas.
