US President Joe Biden has expressed enthusiasm for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza ahead of Ramadan, but ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas have stalled as experts suggest major players must use their influence to force fighting pause.
Palestinian Muslims began Ramadan fasting on Monday as negotiators look to halt hostilities. But weeks of talks have produced no breakthrough, with Hamas and Israel accusing each other of failing to reach a deal.
An agreement reached in Cairo last week would have brought a 40-day ceasefire and the release of 40 hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians held by Israel. But the two sides are deadlocked over the type of ceasefire, with Hamas insisting it should eventually be permanent and Israel insisting on the broader goal of eliminating the group.
The desperate situation has reportedly forced Qatar to issue a harsh ultimatum to Palestinian groups – agree to a deal or face expulsion. Qatar is home to Hamas’s political bureau and played a key role in brokering the truce. wall street journal.
Gershon Baskin, a former Israeli hostage negotiator, said it was the first time in the five-month war that Qatar had signaled its strong influence over Hamas. More than a decade ago, he helped free captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
“This is the lever they should have used from the beginning,” he told I.
“In my assessment, the mediators did not fully use their influence with the parties to reach an agreement,” he added, noting the United States and Egypt’s ability to influence decisions on both sides of the conflict.
“The Egyptians have a lot of influence over Hamas because most of all the goods coming into Gaza go through Rafah [the Gazan city on the Egyptian border],” he said. “They passed through the hands of the Egyptians in one way or another.
“Of course, the United States could tell the Israelis, ‘If you don’t reach a ceasefire, the last bombs will be delivered to you next week.’ That just ends the war in Israel.”
Oliver McTernan, director of the conflict resolution group Forward Thinking, who has worked in hostage negotiations for 20 years, also believes the only actor capable of forcing Israel to submit is the United States.
“it [a ceasefire] That will only happen if Biden has the political courage to say ‘enough’. ” I.
Biden has publicly sparred with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over his handling of the Gaza war and deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the besieged enclave.
“He has the right to defend Israel and the right to continue to pursue Hamas, but he must be more concerned about the innocent lives lost as a result of the actions he took,” Biden said. say saturday.
“In my opinion, he’s hurting Israel more than helping it. It goes against what Israel stands for and I think it’s a big mistake. So I’d like to see a ceasefire.”
But the harsh rhetoric has not changed Israel’s actions, and U.S. military aid continues to flow to the country.
Mr Netanyahu rejected Mr Biden’s criticism, He vows to continue attacking Rafa This is despite warnings from the US president that such an offensive would be a “red line”.
“he [Biden] This was certainly not listened to by Netanyahu or anyone in Israel’s war cabinet,” Mr McTernan said. “So there appears to be a gap between what we are told publicly and what is actually happening in the decision-making room . “
With both sides refusing to budge on their positions, Arab negotiators are now pushing for a shorter ceasefire deal that could see a two-day pause in fighting. wall street journal Sunday report.
Baskin said a shorter ceasefire could serve as a continuation of a longer ceasefire, allowing time for certain demands, such as Hamas’s full hostage list, to be met while negotiations continue.
“If Hamas does come up with a list, maybe Israel will see that as a sign of goodwill and then the negotiations could last longer or even be extended,” he said.
“Once you stop shooting, it’s easy to stop shooting, but it’s also easy to start again.”
Follow us on Google news ,Twitter , and Join Whatsapp Group of thelocalreport.in
