Demonstrators levelformal accusations of sabotageagainstNetanyahu
Following recent discussions about a truce and potential hostage releases in Gaza, many Israelis are worried that Prime Minister Netanyahu might sabotage any possible deal. As per various news outlets, two major issues from Israel's perspective are causing controversy.
With a cautious optimism stirring due to potential peace talks over the Gaza conflict, thousands in Israel took to the streets, urging for immediate resolution. A family member of a hostage held by Hamas in Gaza for over ten months told "The Times of Israel," "They don't have time; therefore, an agreement must be reached now."
The demonstrators continued to call for Netanyahu's resignation and new elections. They accuse him of undermining negotiations and succumbing to the demands of his right-wing alliance partners.
According to reports, negotiations are set to carry on today in Cairo, focusing on various disputed topics. The United States, Qatar, and Egypt are acting as intermediaries, overseeing indirect talks between Israel and Hamas. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet with Israel's political leadership today to push for a settlement.
The control over Gaza's border with Egypt remains debated
Israel's demand for permanent control over the border between Gaza and Egypt is reportedly one of the last obstacles to a deal, according to media sources. An initial plan proposed by the US to overcome the remaining issues omitted this demand, Channel 12 reported. Hamas claims Israel is hindering negotiations by refusing to vacate the so-called Philadelphi Corridor, located along the southern Gaza Strip's border with Egypt. Hamas insists on a complete Israeli withdrawal.
However, Netanyahu insists that the Israeli military should continue to oversee the Philadelphi Corridor after a ceasefire, for example, to curb weapon smuggling. Another contentious issue is the return of refugees who fled the southern Gaza Strip to the northern, sealed coastal region. Netanyahu wants an agreement to prevent the return of armed Hamas fighters to the north. This point was also not included in the proposal, as reported by Channel 12. If Israel remains inflexible on these issues, there's little hope for a positive outcome, the channel speculated, quoting sources familiar with the negotiations.
Hamas stays quiet
Israel's Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi stated a few days ago during a visit to the Philadelphi Corridor that the army could maintain control there without constant presence and with occasional interventions. After the recent discussions in Doha, Israel's negotiating team showed cautious satisfaction with a potential truce. A deal based on the updated US proposal includes "acceptable elements for Israel," mentioned a statement from Netanyahu's office. Another high-level meeting is scheduled for the end of next week in Cairo. Until then, negotiators will continue addressing the remaining issues.
A Hamas delegate who did not participate in the Doha talks expressed caution about the negotiation outcome. US President Joe Biden presented a plan to end the war in three phases in May. It encompasses an uninterrupted six-week truce during which specific hostages would be released. In return, Palestinians imprisoned in Israel would be freed. Once the fighting ceased permanently, all remaining hostages would be set free. Finally, the reconstruction of Gaza would commence.
Based on Israeli records, Hamas is reportedly still keeping 115 hostages, 41 of whom Israel has declared dead. Uncertainty surrounds other hostages' fates, raising concerns that they may no longer be alive. During recent nationwide protests in Israel, a hostage's father told the Israeli newspaper "Haaretz," "Even if this isn't a perfect deal, it's the only deal we've got."
The European Union has expressed interest in playing a role in facilitating the reconstruction of Gaza, following potential peaceful resolution of the conflict. However, some criticize the EU for not taking a stronger stance against Israel's demands, which are perceived as obstacles to a deal.
Despite the EU's potential involvement in Gaza's reconstruction, it remains to be seen if its influence will be sufficient to push Israel towards more flexible positions on contentious issues such as the Philadelphi Corridor and refugee returns.
