US Pushes for Temporary Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Release as Negotiations Progress
Negotiations for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages have shown progress, with US national security adviser Jake Sullivan expressing hope for a “firm and final agreement” in the coming days. Israeli newspapers reported that the country’s war cabinet has approved a rough outline of a deal. Despite previous setbacks due to differences between Hamas and Israel, the US is making a strong push to reach an agreement.
During talks in Paris, negotiators from the US, Israel, Egypt, and Qatar reached an “understanding” on the basic contours of a deal, although the details still need to be worked out. An Israeli technical team is scheduled to discuss the proposal in Doha, and Hamas is reviewing the Paris framework. However, indirect discussions with Hamas by Egypt and Qatar are still necessary to finalize the agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Hamas’s demands as “delusional” and insisted that they must back down before any progress can be made. He stated that if Hamas comes to a reasonable situation, a hostage deal can be reached. The Israeli government has not publicly commented on the reported approval of a rough deal outline by the war cabinet.
While details of the new deal remain vague, it is expected to follow the parameters of a previous hostage-for-prisoner exchange in November. Hamas’s current proposal asks for a larger number of Palestinians to be released for each hostage, including some convicted of violent crimes in military trials. Previous talks have stalled over Hamas’s demands for a complete ceasefire and Israeli troop withdrawal, which Netanyahu has rejected.
If a new deal is reached, it would likely include a ceasefire during the holy month of Ramadan, beginning around March 10, along with increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. The ceasefire would be expected to last several weeks. However, concerns have been raised about an impending Israeli offensive in Rafah, near the border with Egypt, which could cause further harm to Palestinian civilians. The US has warned Netanyahu not to order an attack without a plan to protect civilians.
Netanyahu suggested that the Palestinians sheltering in the south of Gaza should move to the north, where fighting has already ceased. However, hostilities are still ongoing in the northern part of Gaza. Aid agencies have largely withdrawn from providing assistance in the northern area due to lawlessness and Israeli military strikes.
Sullivan expressed concerns about Israel’s postwar plan for Gaza, which includes creating a buffer zone and tightening Israeli control over the strip. The US supports a two-state solution and objects to any reduction in Gaza’s territory or indefinite Israeli control over the land. Sullivan stated that Israeli officials have not shared their postwar plan with him, and he looks forward to hearing more directly from the Israeli government.
The conflict in Gaza began after Hamas launched a cross-border raid on October 7, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and the capture of approximately 240 hostages, according to Israeli authorities. The war has claimed the lives of at least 29,500 Palestinians, according to local health authorities.
As negotiations continue, the international community watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough that will bring temporary peace to Gaza and secure the release of hostages.