Biden Peace Process for Gaza
In a pivotal moment for Middle Eastern diplomacy, Hamas has unequivocally stated its conditions for any peace agreement with Israel: a clear and permanent ceasefire, coupled with a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. Osama Hamdan, a senior Hamas official, made this declaration during a televised press conference on June 4. As talks mediated by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt reach a critical juncture, the demand underscores the complex dynamics at play.
Hamas’s Stance and the Proposal’s Details
Hamas’s position, articulated by Osama Hamdan, stresses the necessity of a comprehensive agreement that not only ensures a lasting ceasefire but also includes a significant prisoner swap. Hamdan criticized Israel’s proposal, suggesting it was skewed in favor of Israeli interests, allowing Israel to potentially resume aggression after securing its hostages. The peace proposal, championed by US President Joe Biden, is structured into a three-phase plan designed to address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term stability:
1. First Phase: A six-week ceasefire during which Israeli forces would withdraw from populated areas of Gaza. This period would see the release of some hostages, particularly the elderly and women, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Concurrently, Hamas and Israel would negotiate the terms of a permanent ceasefire, conditional on Hamas fulfilling its commitments. Additionally, 600 trucks carrying humanitarian aid would enter Gaza daily, providing much-needed relief.
2. Second Phase: The full release of remaining hostages, including male soldiers, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. A permanent ceasefire would then be officially initiated. This phase is critical as it solidifies the cessation of hostilities and sets the stage for rebuilding efforts.
3. Third Phase: This final stage involves extensive reconstruction efforts in Gaza, which has been devastated by eight months of conflict. The reconstruction plan includes rebuilding 60% of clinics, schools, universities, and religious buildings damaged or destroyed by Israeli forces. Additionally, the remains of deceased hostages would be returned to their families. This phase aims to restore normalcy and improve living conditions in Gaza, laying the foundation for long-term peace and stability.
Osama Hamdan expressed a generally positive view of the proposal but underscored the need for a definitive commitment from Israel to a permanent ceasefire and complete withdrawal before any agreement could be reached. He urged mediators to secure a clear position from Israel on these critical issues.
Reactions and Challenges
The proposal has garnered mixed reactions. On the positive side, some Israeli politicians, families of captives, and the international community have expressed support. Benny Gantz, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s principal rival, has spoken favorably of the proposal, urging the war cabinet to discuss next steps. Opposition leader Yair Lapid has also pledged support, conditional on ultranationalist and far-right parties withdrawing their opposition. The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and key allies such as the United Kingdom and Germany have endorsed the plan. However, significant opposition exists within the Israeli cabinet. Netanyahu has stated that any initiative not eliminating Hamas’s capacity to govern and wage war is a non-starter. This stance is at odds with the Biden administration’s view, which considers Hamas sufficiently weakened to prevent a repeat of the October 7 attack. The far-right and ultranationalist parties in Netanyahu’s coalition pose another challenge. Figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have threatened to withdraw support, potentially destabilizing the government. Netanyahu’s political survival may hinge on balancing these internal pressures with the broader demands for peace and the return of hostages. Additionally, there is skepticism about the plan’s origins and intentions. Biden framed the announcement as an Israeli initiative, though many within the Israeli government seemed unaware of it prior to the announcement. This ambiguity has led some observers to speculate that the proposal may primarily reflect US efforts to halt the conflict, rather than a genuine Israeli initiative.
Future Prospects
The success of the negotiations hinges on both sides’ willingness to commit to the proposed terms and the mediators’ ability to facilitate a clear and actionable agreement. The United States has indicated that if Hamas accepts the plan, it expects Israel to follow suit, emphasizing the importance of mutual agreement for the peace process’s success. Hamas’s demands underscore the group’s insistence on securing long-term peace and stability for Gaza. The proposed phases aim to address immediate humanitarian needs, ensure security, and lay the groundwork for rebuilding Gaza, which has suffered extensive damage from the ongoing conflict.
The international community watches closely as these developments unfold, hoping for a resolution that brings lasting peace to the region. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with over a million people displaced and critical shortages of fuel and medical supplies. The proposed plan, if accepted, could mark a significant step toward ending the violence and beginning the reconstruction of Gaza. The next steps involve critical discussions and decisions. Israeli and US negotiators are set to reconvene in Cairo to discuss reopening the Rafah crossing, a significant issue contributing to the humanitarian crisis in southern Gaza. The outcome of these talks will likely influence the broader acceptance and implementation of the peace proposal.
In summary, the peace deal’s success will depend on both Hamas and Israel’s readiness to adhere to the outlined terms and the mediators’ effectiveness in facilitating a clear and comprehensive agreement. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the longstanding conflict can be resolved through diplomatic efforts.
