By D. Maan, Jadetimes News
Despite President Biden’s optimistic remarks, Hamas dismisses ceasefire progress as illusory
Despite recent positive pronouncements by US President Joe Biden about the possibility of a cease fire between Israel and Hamas, the militant group has bluntly denounced any signs of peace as fictitious. President Biden expressed hope after two days of US backed talks in Qatar, saying on Friday that "we are closer than we have ever been" to striking a ceasefire agreement. However, a senior Hamas official refuted this assessment, accusing mediators of "selling illusions" and claiming that no actual progress had occurred.
While the Israeli government appreciates US efforts, it insists that Hamas would continue to reject any compromise including the release of hostages. The Israeli military's ongoing war in Gaza, which began in response to a deadly attack on southern Israel on October 7, has claimed heavy deaths on both sides. The initial Hamas attack resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people and the capture of 251 captives, forcing Israel to initiate a military operation aimed at eliminating the militant organisation.
More than 40,000 Palestinians have been murdered in Gaza since the conflict began, according to the health ministry operated by Hamas. In November, a short ceasefire permitted Hamas to release 105 captives in exchange for a week-long truce and the release of over 240 Palestinian inmates detained in Israeli jails. Despite this, Israel claims that 111 prisoners remain in captivity, with 39 thought dead.
The United States, Qatar, and Egypt recently published a joint statement stating that they had proposed a plan for a fresh cease-fire and hostage release agreement, saying that it had "narrowed the gaps" between Israel and Hamas. Israel has underlined that any cease-fire agreement must include the release of all remaining captives. While some hostages have been released, others are said to have died in Gaza.
Families of hostages still detained in Gaza see the ongoing negotiations as their "last chance" to obtain the release of their loved ones. After ten months of fierce conflict and thousands of casualties, all parties are under increasing pressure to reach a resolution. The breakdown of talks between Israel and Hamas might potentially escalate to a larger regional confrontation, which all parties are eager to avoid.
While mediators praised the recent cease-fire talks as "serious, constructive, and conducted in a positive atmosphere," considerable challenges still exist. Technical teams are scheduled to continue working on the details of the proposed arrangements in the coming days, with top government officials meeting in Cairo to try to finalise an agreement based on the discussions in Doha.
Despite these seeming encouraging advances, there is a long road ahead until a cease-fire can be accomplished. President Biden's prior declarations of optimism have not always matched the reality on the ground, and neither Hamas nor the Israeli government have echoed his optimistic tone. Israel has declared that its position remains unchanged, accusing Hamas of refusing to accept an agreement that would secure the release of hostages.
Israelis are sceptical of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's motives, with many believing that securing the release of captives is not his primary goal. Netanyahu has repeatedly stated that securing a "total victory" over Hamas is his government's primary goal. Meanwhile, Hamas chief Yaya Sinwar has given little indication of a willingness to negotiate.
In response to President Biden's optimistic statements, a senior Hamas official voiced disappointment, claiming that the group had gotten nothing substantive from the mediators. Hamas is said to have lowered its demand for a permanent truce, instead contemplating Biden's suggestion for a six-week break during which a more permanent halt to the conflict might be negotiated. Biden's proposal also calls for the departure of Israeli soldiers from populous areas in Gaza, the staggered release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and the return of the remains of slain hostages.
The "bridging proposal" advanced by US, Egyptian, and Qatari negotiators is supposed to provide the groundwork for upcoming discussions in Cairo, in which all parties, including Hamas, are expected to attend. This proposal is supposed to "close the remaining gaps" between the two parties' stances, potentially clearing the way for a quick implementation of an agreement. However, considerable challenges remain, not least the deep distrust between senior Israeli and Hamas officials. External actors are pressuring both sides to negotiate because they are concerned about the ramifications of a failed discussion.
Hamas and its allies believe that the US administration is attempting to buy more time. There are concerns that if Iran launches an attack on Israel, Hamas will appear to have damaged the discussions. Hamas makes no secret of its desire for Iran and Hezbollah to engage Israel in a bigger regional battle, believing that a hard blow to Israel will weaken Netanyahu and force him to accept a ceasefire agreement.
President Biden has warned against any measures that could jeopardise the talks process, stating that "no one in the region should take actions to undermine this process." Meanwhile, Israel's military operations in Gaza continue, with an attack early Saturday morning killing 15 people in the al-Zawaida neighbourhood in central Gaza, according to Palestinian officials. According to Mahmud Bassal, a spokesman for the Palestinian Civil Defence Authority, the fatalities included nine children and three women. Israel has not responded on the exact event, but has stated that it has "eliminated a number of terrorists" in central Gaza, including one who fired at Israeli forces.
The Israeli military has issued new evacuation orders for many blocks in northern Khan Younis and Deir Balah, limiting the area of the humanitarian zone within which thousands of displaced Palestinians have sought safety. Israel defended the evacuation by alleging "significant acts of terrorism" and continued rocket and mortar bombardment from these regions. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian refugees expressed alarm about the dwindling humanitarian space, writing, "Once again, fear spreads as families have nowhere to go."
The spread of the polio virus within Gaza's Israeli-designated humanitarian zone, which is occurring due to filthy conditions, emphasises the importance of negotiating a ceasefire. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasised the importance of an immediate ceasefire, saying, "Let's be clear: The ultimate vaccine for polio is peace and an immediate humanitarian ceasefire."
As negotiations continue, the international community remains confident that a cease-fire agreement can be struck. However, with profound mistrust on both sides and big stakes involved, the way to reconciliation remains difficult. The coming days and weeks will be key in determining whether the proposed truce can be maintained and the region avoids further escalation into a larger conflict.
