Key Developments In the Gaza Ceasefire
The US has promised that the ceasefire in Gaza will be implemented on time, but there are last-minute issues with the truce that is expected to start on Sunday. Although he admitted that there was a ‘loose end’ that needed to be resolved, US secretary of State Antony Blinken said he was confident that the process will be proceed.
Negotiations to Complete the Ceasefire In Gaza
In Doha, International mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the US are putting in a lot of effort to settle outstanding issues, mostly related to the identification of the detainees that Hamas wants freed. Steve Witkoff and Brett McGurk, both US envoys, are actively working with mediators to complete the ceasefire deal in Gaza.
Terms of the Gaza Ceasefire Agreement
The suggested six-week ceasefire in Gaza consists of:
- Israeli forces leaving Gaza gradually and exchanging Palestinian prisoners for hostages held by Hamas.
- Delivery of humanitarian aid has significantly increased.
- Possible wider ramifications for regional stability.
- With foreign actors keeping a careful eye on the situation, the deal has been largely regarded as an important step towards de-escalation in the region.
Current Situation During the Ceasefire Negotiations in Gaza
Since the truce was announced, Israeli airstrikes have continued to affect Gaza, with 77 injuries reported by Palestinian authorities. Israel postponed its cabinet meeting to certify the truce in Gaza, blaming last-minute demands from Hamas, while Hamas officials remain committed to the ceasefire.
Political Challenges to the Gaza Ceasefire
Netanyahu’s government faces internal opposition to the deal.
- Hardline coalition members threaten to withdraw support
- Finance Minister Smotrich’s party demands return to fighting after the initial phase.
- Public protests in Jerusalem against the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
- Far-right Police Minister Ben-Gvir threatens resignation.
Humanitarian Context of the Gaza Ceasefire
The cost of the conflict has been high:
- More than 46,000 Palestinian deaths have been documented.
- Relocation of Gaza’s 2,3 million inhabitants on a large scale.
- A serious humanitarian catastrophe involving shortages of flood, medicine, and housing,
- At El-Arish, aid vehicles wait for the border to reopen.
Next Steps for the Gaza Ceasefire
In exchange for Israel releasing over 1,000 Palestinian inmates, 33 of the approximately 98 hostages currently held in Gaza would be released in the first phase of the accord. If this first stage is successful, it may open the door to more extensive peace efforts and stability in the area.
While international mediators try to settle last-minute issues before Sunday’s scheduled implementation, Palestinians are making an urgent plea for the Gaza truce to be implemented quickly as negotiations continue. The agreement’s conclusion might establish a standard for resolving disputes in the area going forward.