Following the announcement of an Israeli delegation’s upcoming trip to Qatar, which has played an active role alongside Egypt and the United States in negotiations between Israel and the Hamas movement for a ceasefire in Gaza since the war began on October 7th, optimism has risen about reaching an agreement soon.
A senior Israeli security official revealed some details about the new proposal on the table, which includes a one-day cessation of fighting for each Israeli detainee released from Gaza.
Ceasefire Duration and Prisoner Exchange:
The ceasefire could extend up to six weeks, with an expected release of 40 individuals, according to the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation. Furthermore, for each Israeli prisoner released by Palestinian factions, ten Palestinian prisoners will be freed.
Additional Agreement Terms:
The agreement also involves Israel’s consent for the return of displaced persons from southern Gaza Strip to their homes in the north and the reconstruction of the sector.
Israeli sources expressed optimism about reaching an understanding before Ramadan, with the possibility of negotiations taking place in Cairo.
Operation in Rafah:
However, the security official emphasized that the potential deal would not prevent a ground operation in Rafah, where at least 1.4 million people are crowded into camps or even public parks and streets, having fled from raids and bombings in northern and central Gaza.
These leaks come after a senior Israeli official reported on Saturday evening that “Hamas has abandoned some of its demands.” However, he also stressed that “the two sides are still far from reaching an agreement.”
The last deal between Israel and Hamas at the end of November resulted in the release of about 100 Israelis held by factions in the Gaza Strip since the attack on Israeli settlements and military bases around Gaza on October 7th, during which about 250 people were captured. Approximately 130 detainees remain in Gaza, with an estimated 30 believed to have died, according to official Israeli estimates.
International efforts to end the Gaza war since October 7 have involved a series of humanitarian pauses, UN interventions, and international diplomatic efforts. The US announced that Israel would begin short pauses in military operations in Gaza for aid delivery, although these were not considered ceasefires. A significant pause from November 24 to December 1 facilitated the release of hostages and allowed for some humanitarian access. Israel agreed to open the Rafah crossing for aid and allowed foreign nationals and injured Palestinians to leave Gaza. The Kerem Shalom crossing was also opened for aid, and a maritime aid corridor was established between Cyprus and Gaza, with the UK expected to participate.
The UN Security Council adopted resolutions demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, expanded humanitarian access, and the opening of all routes to and throughout Gaza for aid delivery. A Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator was appointed to facilitate and verify the humanitarian nature of relief consignments to Gaza, with a UN mechanism established to accelerate aid provision. These resolutions emphasized the protection of civilians, humanitarian personnel, and the need for a sustainable cessation of hostilities.
The G7, including the US, Japan, Canada, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and the EU, supported humanitarian pauses and corridors for aid delivery, condemning violence and calling for the unconditional release of hostages. The US has deployed additional military assets to the Middle East as a deterrent against potential escalations by regional groups and announced sanctions against these groups. Both the US and EU have announced additional humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The UK has deployed military assets to the Middle East for de-escalation and surveillance, emphasizing that no lethal or military equipment other than medical supplies has been provided to Israel since October 7. The UK also participates in an international maritime coalition to protect shipping in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks, pledging £87 million in aid to the Occupied Palestinian Territories for 2023.
