Negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza continue, but the situation is complex. Our expert Chantal Monet provides insight.
The negotiations last and are kept waiting by the Palestinians targeted by Israeli bombs and shells. “The positive point is that everyone is around the table, including the Israelis who refused to be there last weekend“, underlines Chantal Monet. Our journalist recalls that Hamas described these negotiations as ‘last chance negotiations’.”Hamas says this may be Israel’s last chance to recover hostages alive“.
After weeks, if not months of negotiations, where does this agreement actually stand? And what terms will he use? “On the very main lines. There appears to be a middle ground, namely a six-week truce with an exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. A partial withdrawal of the Israeli army and the return of the displaced“, explains our expert who underlines that points of divergence persist, particularly on practical questions: Who? When? What? How? In what order?
“For example, Israel would like the first 33 hostages released to be alive, since we know that there are dead captives, including around twenty killed during the October 7 attacks.“.”There is also the question of whether or not to veto Palestinian prisoners to be released. Disagreements which could be surmountable, according to observers.“
How to end the war?
“The fundamental point of contention is when should the war end?“, notes Chantal Monet. “Hamas wants a permanent ceasefire while Israel wants to be able to continue its fight until the last Islamist fighters.” Debates which are “much more robust“.
This Wednesday, it was revealed that the United States has decided to suspend the delivery of bombs to Israel. What impact could this decision have?
“The decision was taken last week and is the first time since October 7 (the date of the Hamas terrorist attacks) that the Americans have suspended an arms delivery. They who are the first suppliers of arms to Israel”, analyzes the journalist. “We know that Joe Biden does not want this operation in Rafah, because with these bombs, some of which weigh 900 kilos, it would be real carnage“.
The decision to suspend this arms delivery was made because the Americans were not reassured by their ally. Chantal Monet reports that “the Americans questioned Israel on two points: How will you meet the humanitarian needs of the civilian population? How to fight Hamas differently?“
“And on that, the Americans say: “the Israelis have not given us any guarantees or a satisfactory response.” Hence this unprecedented decision. With an objective obviously to put pressure on Benyamin Netanyahu so that he listens more to the Americans.”
Gaza Israel usa hamas war
