Ceasefire discussions in Cairo have stalled, with Hamas rejecting a six-week extension proposed by Israel. Both sides are negotiating terms for a second phase focused on governance and reconstruction in Gaza. Key points include the release of hostages and the role of external authorities in post-war recovery efforts, making the political stakes significant for both Israeli leadership and Palestinian residents.
Ceasefire discussions concerning Gaza have reached a standstill in Cairo, primarily over disagreements on transitioning to a second phase of peace talks. A Hamas official indicated that no progress was made during negotiations that took place on Friday, and by Saturday, there was no indication of resuming dialogues, marking the end of the first six-week phase of the ceasefire.
Although Hamas is not directly involved in talks, it is collaborating with Qatari and Egyptian representatives who are negotiating with U.S. and Israeli delegations. Negotiators departed Cairo on Friday night, and by Saturday evening, no meetings had been reconvened. Israeli officials proposed extending the truce by six weeks, which Hamas rejected.
The first phase of the ceasefire primarily involved the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons, increased humanitarian aid, and a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops. The second phase requires a complete Israeli military withdrawal and a resolute end to hostilities, with the initial pullback focused on the Philadelphi corridor at Gaza’s southern border with Egypt.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu considers control over the border area essential for security but has agreed to a full withdrawal by March 9, the 50th day of the ceasefire agreement. A retreat could destabilize his rightwing coalition, potentially leading to new elections and uncertainties regarding Netanyahu’s political future.
Political analysts suggest Netanyahu may have accepted the ceasefire under former President Donald Trump’s influence, anticipating that the negotiations would not progress to the second phase. However, Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, advocates for implementing the second phase to facilitate the release of hostages, although this position faces significant opposition from the far-right factions in the Israeli government.
The ceasefire agreement includes clauses allowing the truce to persist even if the first phase concludes without a deal on the second, provided that negotiations continue in good faith. Witkoff previously indicated he would return if discussions were productive; however, his intentions remained uncertain as of Saturday.
A significant point of contention involves determining who should govern Gaza in a post-war scenario. Trump previously stirred controversy by suggesting that the U.S. should “own” Gaza, proposing to create a luxury development area. This notion lacked details on implementation from Washington.
Israeli military officials have presented a plan to the UN for a more stringent control over Gaza aid, utilizing military-oversight logistical hubs. Meanwhile, the Arab League is set to meet to evaluate an Egyptian reconstruction proposal, which suggests a phased three- to five-year rebuilding plan, commencing with temporary housing for displaced Gazans.
Control over Gaza’s governance remains a pivotal issue, with varying support from international bodies. While the European Union and the previous U.S. administration favored leadership by the Palestinian Authority (PA), Netanyahu denies the PA any governance role, and its credibility is questioned among Palestinians.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid expressed skepticism about the PA’s capability to govern Gaza and suggested that Egyptian oversight may be a feasible solution. “Egypt will take responsibility for the management of the Gaza Strip for eight years, which could be extended to 15 years,” he proposed in the Haaretz newspaper, advocating for temporary Egyptian control to facilitate redevelopment and preparation for eventual self-government.
The ceasefire talks in Cairo face significant deadlock over transitioning to a second phase, with Hamas rejecting Israel’s proposed extensions. The discussions revolve around critical issues such as the governance of Gaza post-conflict and the potential for external management during reconstruction efforts. The implications of these negotiations affect both Israeli politics and the humanitarian future for the residents of Gaza.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
