Ceasefire talks in Cairo have stalled as negotiations over advancing to a second phase remain unresolved. Hamas has rejected Israeli proposals, and there is no agreement on Gaza’s future governance. The Arab League plans to meet to discuss reconstruction concepts, emphasizing the geopolitical complexities impacting the region’s stability and administration.
Ceasefire talks in Cairo regarding Gaza have reached a stalemate, mainly about advancing to a second phase of the agreement. A Hamas representative stated that multilateral negotiations failed to yield any progress, with no activity reported on the scheduled last day of the ceasefire’s initial six-week period. While Hamas has been coordinating indirectly with officials from Qatar and Egypt, it has not engaged directly in the discussions, which include Israeli and U.S. delegations.
Israeli representatives proposed extending the first phase of the ceasefire for another six weeks; however, Hamas declined this proposal. The current phase focused on exchanging Israeli hostages for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel, increased aid deliveries, and a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces. The proposed second phase involves a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops and a more sustainable cessation of hostilities, particularly along the Philadelphi corridor at Gaza’s border with Egypt.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has identified control over the buffer zone as strategically important yet previously agreed to withdraw from it by March 9, which could jeopardize his rightwing coalition. Political analysts suggest Netanyahu may have accepted the ceasefire under pressures from former President Trump, who advocated for eventual implementation of the second phase to facilitate the release of remaining hostages.
Despite the ongoing ceasefire arrangements, there remains a lack of consensus on administration posts in Gaza following a prolonged peace. A controversial suggestion from Trump implied U.S. ownership of Gaza, aimed at creating a resort destination, has not been elaborated upon by Washington. Concurrently, Israeli military officials have proposed measures tightening their control over aid distribution approvals in Gaza.
The Arab League is scheduled to convene on Tuesday to consider Egypt’s proposed reconstruction plan, entailing a phased rebuilding period for Gaza over three to five years, including temporary camps for displaced residents. A primary contentious aspect is governance control post-conflict; the previously supported Palestinian Authority lacks credibility and capability, with Netanyahu opposing its involvement in Gaza’s governance.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid argues that Israel cannot maintain occupation or permit chaos, suggesting instead that Egypt administer Gaza temporarily for up to 15 years, providing a framework for rebuilding and establishing conditions favorable for independent governance in the future.
The ceasefire negotiations regarding Gaza have faced challenges, particularly regarding the transition to a second phase. The Israeli proposal to extend the initial ceasefire was rejected by Hamas, raising uncertainties about the region’s governance following the conflict. The situation remains complex, with various parties vying for control over Gaza’s future reconstruction and authority. Given the precarious balance of political interests, it will be crucial for negotiators to find an acceptable resolution that addresses both humanitarian needs and security concerns.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
