The ceasefire negotiations in Gaza have proven to be challenging for US President Joe Biden’s administration. According to observers and experts, negotiating a three-stage deal has been difficult due to the core dispute between Hamas’ desire for a permanent ceasefire and withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza before releasing most hostages. Israel, on the other hand, is willing to negotiate a cessation of war only after dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities, creating a conflict of goals.
Former Deputy Chairman of the Israeli National Security Council, Shaul Shai, explained that hostages are Hamas’ only leverage against Israel, making it their top demand. Israel’s recent ground operation in Rafah was seen as a step closer to ending the war, but Hamas has shown flexibility by reemerging in central Gaza. Palestinian national security expert Zakaria Al-Qaq believes that Hamas doesn’t have an incentive to compromise while they are still strong militarily.
Hamas has stated that despite reports of Israel accepting a plan, they have only heard Netanyahu call for the war to continue. In addition to American guarantees of a permanent ceasefire, Hamas is now demanding Russia, China, and Turkey to act as guarantors to the ceasefire, a demand Israel is unlikely to accept. The three-phase plan involves a temporary ceasefire, a permanent end to the war, and the release of prisoners from both sides.
The ongoing proposals and counterproposals have been filled with many obstacles. Israel proposed a draft to former US President Obama, making concessions to allow displaced Palestinians to return home and reducing the number of hostages to be released. When Hamas accepted a modified version of the proposal on May 6th, Israel cited significant gaps. Despite Biden’s support for the latest draft on May 31st, Netanyahu has faced opposition within his coalition.
Recent events have added complications to the ceasefire negotiations