Gaza Talks Set To Continue as US Seeks Agreement Between Israel and Hamas
The United States has offered a bridging proposal aimed at finalizing a cease-fire agreement tied to the release of hostages held in Gaza. According to Israeli reports, the proposal fails to meet two of Israel’s core demands: keeping Israeli forces stationed along the Gaza-Egypt border and ensuring that Hamas fighters do not return to northern Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has consistently emphasized these points, is expected to convene with Israel’s negotiators and security leaders ahead of renewed discussions in Cairo on Sunday. He is also scheduled to meet with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who will arrive in Israel on the same day.
Negotiations, which have included mediators from Egypt and Qatar, hinge on these critical issues. Hamas has refused to agree to any deal that accommodates Israel’s demands. Nonetheless, Netanyahu’s office issued a statement expressing “cautious optimism” regarding the potential for progress. This followed the US presenting the proposal after two days of negotiations between Israel and mediators in Doha. Netanyahu’s office stated, “We must hope that the heavy pressure on Hamas from the United States and the mediators leads to the removal of its opposition to the American proposal, and allows for a breakthrough in the contacts.”
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The deal faces numerous obstacles, including Hamas’ insistence on a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the return of displaced Gazans, and a permanent cease-fire. On the Israeli side, officials have made clear that any return of armed Hamas forces to northern Gaza would violate the agreement. A clause has been suggested that would allow Israel to resume military action if Hamas arms are transferred to the area.
There is cautious optimism that a deal could be reached by the end of next week, though challenges remain. US officials are pushing for a breakthrough while Hamas continues to demand substantial concessions.
