An Israeli delegation is expected to arrive in Qatar soon to continue talks on securing a pause in the war on Gaza that might see captives released.
The talks began last week in Paris and were attended by the chiefs of Israel’s spy agency Mossad and domestic security service Shin Bet, along with mediators from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt.
The four countries have come to an understanding of the “basic contours” of a hostage deal for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said on CNN on Sunday.
The deal is still under negotiation, Sullivan said, adding that there will have to be indirect discussions by Qatar and Egypt with Hamas, the Palestinian group that governs Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday said it was not clear yet whether a hostage deal would materialize from ongoing talks, declining to discuss specifics but saying Hamas needed to “come down to a reasonable situation.”
Netanyahu, speaking in an interview with CBS News, added that he was meeting with staff later on Sunday to review a dual military plan that included the evacuation of Palestinian civilians in Gaza and an operation to destroy remaining Hamas battalions, which Israel says are located in Rafah in southern Gaza.
“If we have a deal, it will be delayed somewhat, but it will happen. If we don’t have a deal, we’ll do it anyway,” he told CBS.
Sullivan said on Sunday in an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press” program that US President Joe Biden has not been briefed on Israel’s plan for military operations in Rafah, but believes civilian life must be protected.
“We do not believe that an operation, a major military operation, should proceed in Rafah unless there is a clear and executable plan to protect those civilians, to get them to safety and to feed, clothe, and house them,” Sullivan said.
After the Israeli delegation returned from the French capital, Israeli national security adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said that “there is probably room to move towards an agreement.”
According to Israeli media, negotiators had a meeting with the Israeli cabinet, which agreed to send a delegation to Qatar in the coming days to continue negotiations.
Al Jazeera reporter Willem Marx, reporting from occupied East Jerusalem, mentions that Israeli media are discussing the details of a framework for talks, which might potentially see a pause in fighting for up to six weeks if a captive is released each day from Gaza.
“It looks like there will be around 40 Israeli hostages being released – that would be women civilians, female soldiers, older men with serious medical conditions – in return for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners currently held in detention or Israeli jails.”
Marx further highlights that an agreement might also lead to a considerable increase in humanitarian aid going into the Gaza Strip and a potential return of Palestinians to the heavily bombarded and attacked areas in the northern part of the enclave.
“Hamas, crucially, has not commented on any of this,” he said.
Prior to the latest round of talks, Hamas had said it would accept nothing less than a complete cessation of fighting and an end to the siege of Gaza, something Netanyahu had dismissed while emphasizing “total victory” over the armed group.
Close to 30,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been confirmed killed by the Ministry of Health in Gaza, with thousands more missing and presumably still under the rubble.
More than 100 captives, including Israelis and other nationals, were released as part of a one-week pause in fighting in November, which also saw hundreds of Palestinians released from Israeli prisons.
‘We need a new government’
In Israel, pressure has been steadily building on Netanyahu and his war cabinet to strike a deal to secure the release of the captives.
Thousands of protesters once more gathered at what has become known as “hostages square” in Tel Aviv on Saturday to demand swifter action and new elections, with police using water cannons to disperse the crowds.
Al Jazeera reporter Hamdah Salhut, reporting from Tel Aviv, said Saturday’s gathering was the “biggest show of force since the war began.”
“Antigovernment protesters say they will continue coming out every Saturday in full force until their message is received by the Israeli government.”
Neria Bar, a protester, told Al Jazeera that the government has failed and needs to be replaced.
“We need a new government, new people, new leadership, someone that counts us in and thinks regarding us, not just regarding themselves.”
Analyzing the Implications and Future Trends
The ongoing talks between Israeli delegates and mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have taken a significant step towards securing a temporary ceasefire in the war on Gaza. The “basic contours” of a hostage deal have been agreed upon, raising the possibility of a pause in fighting for up to six weeks.
If the deal materializes, around 40 Israeli hostages, including women civilians, female soldiers, and older men with serious medical conditions, might be released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners currently held in Israeli jails. This potential agreement signifies a significant breakthrough in the negotiations and might bring a much-needed respite to the conflict-ridden region.
Moreover, this agreement might also lead to an influx of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, providing essential support to the affected population. The return of Palestinians to the heavily bombarded areas in the northern enclave shows a potential step towards rebuilding and recovery.
However, it is noteworthy that Hamas, the governing Palestinian group in Gaza, has not commented on the progress made in the talks. Their response will play a crucial role in determining the success and implementation of the proposed deal.
The implications of this potential ceasefire extend beyond the immediate relief it might bring to the war-torn region. The ongoing pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government to secure the release of captives reflects growing discontent among the Israeli population. Thousands of protesters, demanding swifter action and new elections, have gathered in Tel Aviv, demonstrating the need for change in the Israeli government.
The push for a new government indicates a desire for leadership that prioritizes the well-being of the people and actively engages in finding lasting solutions to the conflicts. As the protests continue, it is clear that the Israeli government will need to address the demands of its citizens to regain their trust and establish a stable political environment.
Looking ahead, it is crucial to ensure the protection of civilian life amidst any military operations. US President Joe Biden has emphasized the need for a clear and executable plan that safeguards the lives of civilians, providing them with safety, food, clothing, and shelter. This commitment to protecting innocent lives should guide future decision-making processes and military operations to prevent further harm to the already vulnerable population.
In conclusion, the ongoing talks in Qatar offer a glimmer of hope for a temporary ceasefire in the war on Gaza. The potential release of hostages, increased humanitarian aid, and the return of Palestinians to their homes indicate positive steps towards resolving the conflict. However, the response of Hamas and the need for a new government in Israel highlight the complexity of the situation and the long-term challenges that lie ahead. It is essential for all parties involved to prioritize the protection of civilian life and work towards sustainable peace in the region.
