In October, Antony Blinken, the American Secretary of State, arrived in Israel for the ninth time this year. This trip is part of ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire and negotiate a hostage-release deal in Gaza. A new US proposal aimed at bridging the long-standing gaps between Israel and Hamas has been presented with hope for an accord from the Americans. However, Hamas has dismissed the notion of progress as an “illusion”.
Challenges in Negotiations Blinken
One major sticking point is whether Israeli troops will have to fully withdraw from the Gaza Strip as demanded by Hamas. Blinken’s meeting with Israeli leaders on Monday will involve him calling on them to drop any last-minute demands and wrap up the agreement. A senior US official has characterized the situation as a “critical moment” and an “inflection point,” with hopes of reaching an agreement within the next week. Yet, this optimism is not universally shared.
Israeli and Hamas Accusations Blinken
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been accused by Hamas of creating “obstacles” and “setting new conditions” to prolong the conflict. Hamas holds Netanyahu responsible for impeding mediation efforts and obstructing a potential agreement. A Hamas source indicated that proposals involve the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) maintaining a reduced presence along the Philadelphi Corridor, which borders Gaza’s southern edge with Egypt.
In response, Israeli sources have suggested that other measures along the border could compensate for an initial Israeli withdrawal. The Israeli military launched its Gaza campaign following a major attack on southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and 251 hostages taken. Since then, over 40,000 people have died in Gaza, according to Hamas-run health reports.
Previous Agreements and Current Status
A ceasefire deal in November led to Hamas releasing 105 hostages in exchange for a week-long truce and the release of around 240 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. Israel claims that 111 hostages remain, with 39 presumed dead. President Joe Biden expressed earlier this week that “we are closer than we have ever been” to a deal, but past optimism has often been unfounded.
Netanyahu acknowledged complex negotiations to secure hostage returns, emphasizing the need to uphold certain security principles. He criticized Hamas for its obstinacy and called for increased pressure on the militant group. A senior Hamas official described the mediators’ proposals as “disappointing” and noted a lack of progress.
Outlook and Timing
Public statements of defiance from both sides may be strategic, yet the deep-seated enmity. And mistrust suggest that a breakthrough within a week could be overly ambitious. Additionally, the timing of US pressure coincides with Washington’s electoral politics, possibly accelerating the push for a deal. The original proposal, outlined by President Biden and based on an Israeli plan from May. Includes three phases: a full ceasefire. A withdrawal of Israeli forces. The exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, a permanent end to hostilities, and a major reconstruction plan for Gaza.
Recent Developments
On Sunday, the Hamas-run health authority in Gaza reported at least 21 casualties. Including six children, due to Israeli air strikes. The IDF claimed to have destroyed rocket launchers in Khan Younis. And reported the deaths of 20 Palestinians, amid ongoing intense fighting in the region.
