Once again, here we go again… With that out the way… Let’s do this thing called life…! Key to that formulation was postponing what has long appeared as the primary impediments to any agreement: Hamas’ demand that there must be an indefinite ceasefire and Israel’s counter demand that they retain freedom to resume fighting if needed in Gaza. Details on Hamas’ proposal have yet to become public knowledge. But Israel appears more positive in their approach than in past instances when momentum for peacemaking was lost. Sources in Israel’s negotiation team indicated that Hamas’ proposal included an important breakthrough.There are indications this may mean it has accepted key point from President Biden’s proposal – that negotiations be allowed to achieve permanent end to war through initial six week ceasefire phase rather than demanding it as starting point – rather than demanding an early endpoint itself as starting point for negotiations.Hamas had been upset over how often it has been seen by Washington as main obstruction to reaching an accord, yet had thus far refused to sign anything off on behalf of Israeli negotiating teams as potential dealmakers. Should it become evident that Hamas had indeed conceded territory, the ball would return firmly into Benjamin Netanyahu’s hands as Israel continues its battle in Gaza post ceasefire. At no time has Netanyahu compromised in his pledge for total annihilation of Hamas – or in maintaining Israel’s right to continue fighting there after any ceasefire agreement has come into force. He has defiantly rejected pressure from inside and outside Israel to modify this stance, even as pressure from all quarters builds steadily on him. Most recently, however, this pressure may have come from within his military ranks itself. Recent reporting in The New York Times quoted unidentified Israeli security officials, suggesting that Israel’s top generals want a ceasefire agreement even if this means keeping Hamas in power for now; Mr Netanyahu dismissed such talk as defeatist. Israel may no longer be able to stand against such pressure – nor the growing anger on Israeli streets from those demanding that remaining hostages in Gaza be brought home immediately. Hamas may soon follow Israel in experiencing growing despair at their ongoing war in Gaza as more civilians suffer daily through it all. Internationally, Egypt and Qatar may be losing patience as time ticks away; regional countries supporting Palestine may also exert increasing pressure on Hamas to make a deal. Israel may consider Hezbollah’s apparent survival even while suffering significant political and military setbacks to be sufficient. For the international community, however, peace must become more urgent due to fears that Israeli and Hezbollah confrontation may explode into all-out warfare. A ceasefire in Gaza could help ease tensions. And for the Biden administration – still reeling after last week’s debate between President Biden and Donald Trump – any diplomatic triumph could give hope renewed strength against negative influences that had dashed them previously. All these indicators suggest that any hopes raised might finally stand the test of time this time around.
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