Israel and Hamas are said to stand at the threshold of declaring a ceasefire in Gaza, with mediators stepping up efforts to nail a deal that will also pave the way for the release of hostages.
The involvement of negotiators from Qatar, Egypt and the United States in recent talks signals real movement in months of deadlock as Israeli airstrikes continued in the Gaza Strip. It also comes just weeks before the January 20th inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, which Trump himself highlighted as a deadline for the return of the hostages, promising devastating repercussions should they not be freed by that time.
Notwithstanding this positive momentum, several challenges remain ahead of sealing the deal.
Protests Amid Negotiations
With the final drafts of the Gaza ceasefire deal being circulated, protests erupt in Israel in a divided opinionated public. Supporters of negotiations, comprising the moderate Israelis along with the families of hostages, rallied at Tel Aviv’s ‘Hostage Square’, demanding the safe return of captives. Far-right groups have mobilized against the deal with hundreds protesting in Jerusalem.
Hamas has accepted a draft ceasefire, which includes an exchange of hostages. The fact of such a proposal was authenticated by officials of both Egypt and Hamas, while the official from Israel merely acknowledged progress but said details still needed to be worked out.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken remains optimistic, however: “I believe we will get a ceasefire. It’s right on the brink. It’s closer than it’s ever been before,” he said, indicating a possible announcement in the near future.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also called a meeting with his senior security cabinet members about the impending deal, but Blinken maintained that the “ball is now in Hamas’s court.”.
During a visit to Rome, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar reaffirmed the willingness of an agreement from Israel’s side, though hardliners within his government are expressing resistance. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir criticized the proposed truce for undermining previous military achievements in Gaza.
In a recent phone call, US President Joe Biden and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi discussed the importance of “flexibility” from all parties involved to secure a truce. A spokesperson for Sisi’s office reported that both leaders reviewed the latest developments and highlighted the necessity for overcoming obstacles in the negotiations.
