Efforts to Secure Release of Hostages and Prolong Ceasefire Reach Critical Stage: CIA Director Deploys for Multiparty Talks
As the conflict in Gaza continues to escalate, efforts to secure the release of hostages and broker a prolonged pause in fighting have reached a critical stage. President Joe Biden has deployed CIA Director Bill Burns as his point person on hostage talks to Europe for multiparty discussions on the contours of a possible agreement. Burns is set to meet with the Israeli and Egyptian intelligence chiefs, as well as the Qatari prime minister, in France over the weekend.
The meetings between Burns and key officials are seen as a sign of ongoing progress, with the White House pushing for a deal. However, officials caution that discussions have been volatile, and there are still hurdles to overcome in reaching an agreement that satisfies all sides.
One of the central sticking points is Israel’s refusal to agree to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, which is a key demand of Hamas. It remains unclear how this major difference will be resolved. Despite this, progress has been made on the parameters of a hostage deal that would occur in three stages. This deal would include the release of civilians, soldiers, and the bodies of those hostages who have died while being held captive.
The talks between Burns and the Israeli and Egyptian intelligence chiefs, as well as the Qatari prime minister, are part of a series of recent diplomatic efforts to free the remaining hostages and move towards a more prolonged cessation of hostilities. These efforts represent the most intensive push in months to strike an agreement that could significantly alter the trajectory of the war in Gaza.
While speaking from the White House, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby described the ongoing talks as productive but not yet successful. He emphasized that there should not be any immediate developments expected. President Biden has been actively involved in these efforts, speaking with Egypt’s President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to discuss the ongoing hostage talks.
The urgency of the situation has been underscored by both leaders, with a focus on establishing a prolonged humanitarian pause in the fighting and ensuring additional life-saving humanitarian assistance reaches civilians in need throughout Gaza. The White House has emphasized its commitment to facilitating another hostage deal, similar to the one reached in November.
Brett McGurk, the White House coordinator for the Middle East, has also been involved in the discussions and is returning to Washington from meetings in the region. Kirby described these talks as a “good set of discussions,” highlighting the commitment of the entire administration to bring the hostages back home to their families.
Qatar’s prime minister is expected to travel to Washington next week, further indicating the importance of these negotiations. Qatar has played a key role as a broker in talks with Hamas. US officials are hopeful for a longer cessation in the fighting, believing it could provide space for more humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza and allow for continued discussions about the future of Israel’s campaign against Hamas and the future of Gaza.
The proposals currently being discussed involve a phased approach to the release of hostages. The first phase would include the release of women, children, and the elderly, followed by Israeli soldiers and the bodies of deceased hostages. In exchange, Palestinians held in Israeli jails would be released in a three-for-one exchange, similar to the deal struck last year.
Each stage of the hostage release process would be accompanied by a pause in fighting and the delivery of aid to different areas of Gaza. However, obstacles remain, particularly regarding Israel’s refusal to discuss an end to the war past a temporary ceasefire. Israel’s focus has been on discussing one phase at a time, while Hamas has pushed for a comprehensive plan that includes an end to the war against them.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defense minister, Yoav Gallant, have expressed their belief that the war may continue for the rest of the year, if not longer. Netanyahu has also been increasingly vocal in his rejection of a Palestinian state, which is a priority for Biden and the US.
The Biden administration has been openly pressuring Israel to transition to a lower-intensity phase of operations, including in telephone calls between Biden and Netanyahu. They see a ceasefire deal and hostage release as crucial steps towards a significant pause in the fighting, allowing for the flow of humanitarian aid and the return of Palestinians to their destroyed homes.
However, with multiple parties involved, each with their own priorities, reaching an agreement is challenging. Ideas, proposals, and initiatives are constantly changing, making the situation highly fluid. The talks will also take place against the backdrop of renewed tensions between Israel and Qatar, sparked by a leaked recording purported to be Netanyahu criticizing Qatar.
Qatar has responded by accusing Netanyahu of undermining mediation efforts in the Israel-Hamas war. Despite these tensions, the White House has expressed gratitude for Qatar’s support in the ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages.
As negotiations continue, it remains to be seen whether all parties can reach an agreement.