Gaza Ceasefire Talks Proceed as Israel Commemorate Second Commemoration of 7 October Attacks
Initial round of Gaza talks between the Palestinian group and intermediaries have concluded in the Arab Republic “in a positive atmosphere”, as reported by Egyptian government-affiliated media in the morning on Tuesday.
An Egyptian news source, which is linked to government security, reported the discussions will continue on Tuesday, additionally between Hamas and mediators in the resort town of the Egyptian city, where an Israeli delegation landed on Monday.
Israel and the Palestinian faction are anticipated to participate in indirect talks on the details of a plan by American leader Donald Trump for a captive-detainee exchange and extended truce.
The US president’s 20-point proposal outlines an immediate ceasefire, an swap of all hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners held by the Israeli state, a staged Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas and the introduction of a transitional government led by an global organization.
One of Hamas’s primary conditions since the beginning of the war has been a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the territory in return for the release of the remaining captives. And while the Palestinian militant group has indicated its willingness to relinquish governing control, it has repeatedly rejected laying down arms.
During this first phase of talks, Middle Eastern mediators are collaborating with both sides to prepare foundational terms for the liberation of the remaining forty-eight captives from Israel held in Gaza in return for one thousand seven hundred detainees from Palestine held in prisons in Israel, and to decide the date of a short-term ceasefire.
These discussions of talks is expected to be difficult and complex, and could last for a number of days, as per sources. Further more details on the discussions shortly.
These negotiations come as Israelis across the country get ready to mark the second anniversary of the 7 October Hamas-initiated assaults on Israel’s southern region, in which approximately twelve hundred individuals, primarily civilians, were slain and two hundred fifty-one taken hostage.
Doubt Persists Over Peace Agreement
Although there are optimistic indicators about this effort to achieve an end to the conflict in Israel, there persists uncertainty over whether or not a agreement can be reached and, importantly, sustained.
The Palestinian faction has in part accepted Trump’s 20 point plan, which Israel has agreed to, but there are still major sticking points that need resolving, including the post-war administration of the Gaza Strip, the extent of Israel’s military withdrawal and Hamas’ disarmament.
Negotiators have to decide which Palestinian prisoners will be released from prisons in Israel. The Palestinian delegation is expected to request political figures, such as the Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouthi, who are widely popular in the West Bank and Gaza.
Rightwing members of Netanyahu’s coalition have put pressure on to ensure such influential individuals stay behind bars, news outlets in Israel has reported.
A far-right minister, the ultra-conservative government official, warned to leave the administration if the faction still existed after the release of captives, adding another complication to already delicate peace talks.
