Hamas expressed its desire on Tuesday to finalize an agreement to bring an end to the conflict in Gaza based on the plan proposed by US President Trump. Nonetheless, the group outlined a series of conditions, indicating that the ongoing indirect discussions with Israel in Egypt might be challenging and prolonged.
Senior Hamas representative Fawzi Barhoum detailed the group’s stance on the anniversary of the attack by Hamas on Israel that sparked the Gaza conflict, which coincided with the commencement of indirect talks in Sharm el-Sheikh.
These negotiations present the most optimistic opportunity thus far to terminate a conflict that has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians and significant devastation in Gaza since the 7 October 2023 incident in Israel, where 1,200 individuals lost their lives and 251 were taken as hostages to Gaza.
While there is hope for an end to the suffering endured over the past two years, caution has been advised by officials from all sides regarding the likelihood of a swift resolution. Israelis commemorated the ‘bloodiest single day for Jews’ since the Holocaust, while Gazans expressed optimism for an end to the hardships caused by the prolonged conflict.
Hamas has set forth its conditions for the negotiations in Egypt, with Barhoum emphasizing in a televised statement that the delegation is dedicated to surmounting obstacles to achieve an agreement that aligns with the aspirations of the people in Gaza. Key demands include a complete cessation of hostilities and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip – terms that Israel has consistently opposed. On the other hand, Israel is adamant about Hamas disarming, a proposition that the group firmly rejects.
Hamas is advocating for a lasting and comprehensive ceasefire, the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops, and the immediate initiation of an extensive reconstruction process overseen by a Palestinian “national technocratic body.” However, challenges lie ahead as an alliance of Palestinian factions, including Hamas, has affirmed a commitment to a “resistance stance by all means” and emphasized that no one has the authority to relinquish the weapons of the Palestinian populace.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refrained from providing immediate commentary on the progress of the talks. While US officials aim to initially concentrate on ceasing hostilities and addressing the logistics of releasing hostages and Palestinian prisoners in Israel, mediators from Qatar underscored the need to iron out numerous details, indicating that a final agreement is not imminent.
In the absence of a ceasefire, Israel has continued its offensive in Gaza, leading to heightened international isolation. Despite objections from politicians cautioning against glorifying violence, demonstrators in Sydney, Australia, and several European cities protested Israel’s actions in Gaza on the anniversary of Hamas’ attack, showcasing a shifting global sentiment with increasing sympathy towards Palestinians.
On the anniversary date, some Israelis visited the locations most severely impacted by the prior conflict. Individuals like Orit Baron paid respects at the Nova music festival site in southern Israel, remembering her daughter Yuval, who perished alongside her fiancé Moshe Shuva. They were among the 364 victims who lost their lives in the tragic incident.
The talks in Sharm el-Sheikh have raised hopes for the release of the remaining 48 hostages still held in Gaza, 20 of whom are believed to be alive. The prolonged absence of these individuals has left a deep wound, as reflected by sentiments expressed by individuals like Hilda Weisthal, who lamented the hostages’ prolonged separation from their families.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, Palestinian Mohammed Dib, aged 49, yearned for an end to the protracted conflict that has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, widespread displacement, and the loss of over 67,000 Palestinian lives, as reported by Gaza health authorities.
Recent violence was reported in Khan Younis and Gaza City, where residents noted fresh assaults by Israeli military assets. The Israeli army confirmed retaliatory measures following rocket attacks from Gaza militants, with ongoing efforts to neutralize armed assailants within the enclave.
Both Israel and Hamas have expressed support for the fundamental principles of Trump’s plan, which includes halting hostilities, releasing hostages, and facilitating humanitarian aid into Gaza with the endorsement of Arab and Western nations. However, challenges remain, as meeting Trump’s 72-hour deadline for the return of hostages, especially those deceased, may prove unattainable due to the necessity of locating and recovering their remains.
Even if an agreement is reached, uncertainties persist regarding governance and reconstruction in Gaza, as well as the financial burden associated with rebuilding efforts. Notably, both Trump and Netanyahu have ruled out any involvement of Hamas in these crucial post-conflict processes.