US-Proposed Ceasefire for Gaza at Risk of Collapsing: Reasons for Potential Failure of the Agreement between Israel and Hamas
Blast from the Middle East:
The on-going talks between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire remain a tug-of-war, as of May 31. Following the latest ceasefire plan proposed by US envoy Steve Witkoff, Hamas has shown support yet insists on tailoring the agreement to their demands. The U.S. views Hamas' stance as a roadblock in the diplomatic process, deeming it "totally unacceptable."
While the initial US-proposed plan offered a hostage and prisoner exchange, Hamas pushes for a permanent ceasefire rather than merely a pause in hostilities. They also demand the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and unwavering guarantees for humanitarian aid delivery.
As talks have shown signs of stalling, Israeli Defense Minister declined negotiations' impact, ordering military actions in Gaza to continue "regardless." Hamas, despite facing US and Israeli criticism, maintains a positive stance towards the US proposal, aiming to fulfill the minimum expectations of the Gaza population.
Permanent Peace, or Just a Momentary Pause?
The proposed agreement boasted several key stages, with a 60-day ceasefire, prisoner, and hostage exchanges, and humanitarian aid strengthening. However, Hamas' insistence on turning the ceasefire into a permanent one proves to be a stumbling block.
If agreed, the ceasefire would result in the release of multiple Israeli hostages and the remains of other detainees held in Gaza. In return, Israel would free prisoners serving life sentences and hundreds of other Palestinian detainees, returning the bodies of Palestinian fatalities. Regardless, despite Israel's official acceptance of the general outline, they refuse several of the conditions demanded by Hamas, primarily the complete military withdrawal.
Israeli leaders fear a complete withdrawal could enable Hamas to maintain control over Gaza and rebuild its military strength, potentially instituting further attacks. With internal threats to his government, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must balance political and military considerations, satisfying both hawkish allies and averting potential conflict escalations.
Hostages: The Core of the Conflict
Since the conflict's onset, the issue of hostages has continually fueled tensions between Israel and Hamas. Israeli authorities claim around 20 living hostages and the remains of over 30 hostages are still being held captive in Gaza. Hamas is open to implementing hostage releases, but they seek fair reciprocity to preserve their negotiating power.
Israel, however, insists any ceasefire pause should not hinder military operations if Hamas doesn't disarm. Understandably, Palestinians are wary of Israel's deliberate resumption of hostilities following hostage releases, as observed in March. In view of these concerns, calls for compromise are echoing ever louder in Israel.
Enrichment Insights:
- The main issues hindering a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas revolve around the demands for a permanent ceasefire, Israeli military withdrawal, guarantees for humanitarian aid, and hostage release.
- Hamas struggles to achieve long-lasting peace due to historical and political complexities, while Israel remains cautious due to security concerns.
- The delicate balance between military and political considerations drive Israel's stance in the talks. Hamas' persistence in achieving their demands likewise stems from the necessity of creating a better future for the Gaza population.
- Compromise becomes increasingly essential in the ceasefire negotiations, as both Israel and Hamas are reluctant to back down but are also unwilling to prolong the conflict.
In light of the proposed ceasefire agreement, politics and general news focus on the ongoing disagreement between Israel and Hamas, with Hamas pushing for a permanent ceasefire rather than a momentary pause. This demands contrasts with the initial US-proposed plan, which offered a 60-day ceasefire, prisoner, and hostage exchanges, and humanitarian aid strengthening. Meanwhile, war-and-conflicts persist in the Middle East, as negotiations between the parties seem to stall due to conflicting demands.
