Binyamin Netanyahu, Israel’s Prime Minister, is set to convene in Jerusalem with Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, on Monday morning. This meeting is part of the United States’ effort to bolster diplomatic proceedings in pursuit of a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This effort includes a ceasefire and the release of captives.
Mr. Netanyahu communicated to Israel’s ministers on the previous Sunday that there was a measure of flexibility in their discussions with Hamas. However, he clarified that in certain aspects, deviation would not be possible, as he explained the duality of negotiating points. He elaborated that the key principles he was unwavering on were those shared by the blueprint proposed by the American President Joe Biden in May.
He lamented that Hamas has consistently demonstrated an unyielding stance, even failing to send a delegate to the Doha talks. He asserted that the primary focus of the pressures, both militaristic and policy-related, should be on Hamas and Sinwar, rather than Israel, to facilitate the release of the captives.
Following two days of dialogue in Doha, bridging proposals were put forth by the American, Egyptian, and Qatari intermediaries on Friday, aiming to lessen the disparities between Hamas and Israel. Despite being in conflict for over 10 months, resulting in a death count of 40,000 in Gaza, US and Israeli officials conveyed cautious hopefulness while recognising the substantial obstacles yet to be overcome. According to President Biden, the chances are brighter than ever before.
Hamas officials, however, held a pessimistic outlook, with Sami Abu Zuhri of the Hamas political bureau dismissing the reported progress as merely an illusion. He criticised the attempt to enforce American mandates, rather than engaging in genuine negotiations. Hamas, rejecting Israel’s “new conditions,” urged for the implementation of a plan proposed by President Biden in May. Additionally, Hamas asserted that a cessation of hostilities agreement should encompass a definitive halt to the fighting and a total retreat of Israeli forces from the coastal enclave.
In recent remarks, Eli Cohen, the Energy Minister of Israel from the ruling Likud party of Mr. Netanyahu, stated on Sunday that Israel would continue to possess security control over the Gaza area. This would include the capacity to launch an operation anywhere and whenever necessary. He made a particular reference to Israel’s physical existence on the Philadelphia route, a path adjoining the Gaza-Egypt border. Recognised for being a conduit for Hamas to smuggle weaponry, including via sizeable tunnels fit for vehicle passage.
According to a report from the Saudi news outlet, Al Sharq, presented on Sunday, proposals from the US advocate for a reduction in the Israeli military presence on the Philadelphia route, not a total removal of forces. The report further highlights that deliberations regarding a permanent ceasefire will occur during the second phase of the deal. If the concerned parties fail to reach an agreement, Israel will maintain its right to recommence combat.
Additionally, the Saudi news agency shed light on the administration of the Rafah crossing, where the Palestinian Authority will manage affairs under Israeli supervision.
According to a source from Hamas, it is evident that Netanyahu is currently targeting the first-stage only and plans to uphold control over the Strip. Moreover, the Americans are perceived to be in sync with this approach.
In other developments, the scope of Israeli military activity in Gaza has widened to include areas like Deir al-Balah in central Gaza and Khan Younis, located in the southern region.
The Health Ministry of Gaza, under Hamas control, reports that since the onset of the war on October 7th, more than 40,000 Palestinians have lost their lives. On the other hand, Israel alleges that a surprise attack by Hamas led to the death of 1,200 individuals, with a hostage situation involving 253 individuals. Currently, 116 hostages remain captive in Gaza, with Israel confirming the demise of 42 of them.