US, Egypt, and Qatar Discuss New Gaza Ceasefire Deal
In a significant push to resume stalled negotiations over the Gaza conflict, senior US officials, including National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Director of the CIA William Burns, have engaged in discussions with Qatari and Egyptian officials. These talks focus on a proposal for a ceasefire, detainee release, and Gaza Strip reconstruction, which US President Joe Biden recently referenced during a speech.
Sullivan confirmed that Biden's proposal, still accepted by Israel, awaits Hamas's response. The US maintains constant communication with Qatari mediators, emphasizing that only official responses conveyed through these mediators are considered. The objective, according to Sullivan, is to formulate a comprehensive strategy that ends military operations and facilitates long-term peace.
Burns is currently in Doha to discuss specifics with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani. Following these diplomatic maneuvers, a potential trilateral meeting involving Egyptian, Qatari, and US officials is expected to take place in Doha, although the Qatari government has yet to confirm this.
Israel's Stance and Internal Response
Israel's War Council has decided to request guarantees from the US that military actions in Gaza can resume if Hamas fails to comply with new deal stages, particularly regarding prisoner exchanges. This decision will likely shape Israel's conditions in ongoing negotiations.
Last week, Biden outlined a three-stage proposal entailing a ceasefire, detainee release, and Gaza's reconstruction. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu disputed Biden's account, labeling it inaccurate, he acknowledged discussions about ending the conflict under specific terms favorable to Tel Aviv.
Inside Israel, domestic political factions exhibit varied responses. The Shas faction fully supports the proposal, emphasizing the religious duty of ransoming captives. Conversely, figures like Bezalel Smotrich have criticized Biden's proposal as unauthorized and non-binding for Israel. Amidst this divergence, unity is sought over the humanitarian pursuit of freeing detainees, as highlighted in Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf's statements supporting any proposal that saves lives.
- The unfolding diplomatic efforts signal a complex web of negotiations involving multiple stakeholders. The US, alongside Egypt and Qatar, is playing a pivotal role in mediating between Hamas and Israel. While the US conveys a steadfast commitment to an official, mediated solution, Israel's internal politics reveal a spectrum of support and opposition towards the proposed deal.
- Notably, past rounds of negotiations have seen fluctuating fortunes. The previous rounds in Cairo ended without an agreement, showing the intricate challenges and entrenched positions that define the Gaza conflict. The willingness of US officials to engage directly with mediators and stakeholders underscores a significant international effort towards potentially stabilizing the region.
