A Temporary Respite Begins
The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has entered its first phase, marked by the release of three civilian hostages in exchange for 90 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. This ceasefire lasts six weeks and is intended to provide a much-needed pause in the ongoing conflict. By the end of this phase, Hamas will release 88 hostages, while Israel will have freed a total of 1,904 prisoners. However, the absence of key political prisoner Marwan Barghouti raises questions about the agreement’s sincerity and durability.
Concerns Over Future Phases
While the initial phase of the ceasefire has unfolded relatively smoothly, doubts linger regarding the success of the subsequent phases. Many analysts worry that without significant pressure from international mediators like the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, either Israel or Hamas may choose to terminate the deal. As negotiations progress, they face the challenge of addressing sensitive issues surrounding the exchange of additional hostages, some of whom may already be deceased, and the future military presence of Israeli forces in Gaza.
Irony in U.S. Diplomacy
The irony of this ceasefire lies in the contrasting approaches of past and current U.S. administrations. The Biden administration failed to secure a ceasefire in May, while former President Donald Trump’s team, through stern warnings, facilitated the current agreement. Strikingly, Trump expressed skepticism about the ceasefire’s longevity on his first day in office, dismissing the situation as “not our war; it’s their war.” This viewpoint casts a shadow over America’s role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlighting the complexities inherent in achieving lasting peace.
Deep-Rooted Issues Persist
Despite the ceasefire, the fundamental issues continue to plague the region. Hamas has resumed its role in governing Gaza, indicating that it has not been utterly defeated, even after substantial losses. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted that Hamas has replenished its ranks despite the military campaign against it. Meanwhile, in Israel, an increasing number of reservists are resisting military service, suggesting growing domestic dissent. This ongoing strife reveals a persistent obstacle: as long as Palestinians remain in Gaza and the West Bank, finding a lasting political solution for Israel remains challenging.
The Future of Peace Efforts
The article’s author, Soli Özel, emphasizes that a breakthrough in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict may hinge on Saudi Arabia’s commitment to a serious two-state solution before normalizing relations with Israel. The potential for these peace efforts to gain momentum under the Trump administration remains uncertain, underscoring the complexity of the geopolitical landscape. As regional dynamics continue to evolve, the challenge of securing a durable peace agreement remains an elusive goal that will require careful negotiation and sustained commitment from all parties involved.
SOURCE: Ref Image from The National
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