Gaps in the Gaza ceasefire negotiations have narrowed, according to both parties

According to statements from Israeli and Palestinian officials on Monday, the gaps between Israel and Hamas regarding a potential ceasefire in Gaza have diminished, although significant differences remain unresolved.

This month, a renewed effort by mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to halt the conflict and secure the release of Israeli and foreign hostages has gained traction, yet no significant progress has been reported.

A Palestinian official involved in the discussions indicated that while some contentious issues have been addressed, there is still no consensus on the identities of certain Palestinian prisoners to be released by Israel in exchange for hostages, nor on the specific positioning of Israeli troops in Gaza.

These comments align with those made by Israeli diaspora minister Amichai Chikli, who noted that both matters are still under negotiation. However, he emphasized that the parties are closer to an agreement than they have been in recent months. “The duration of this ceasefire could range from six months to ten years, depending on the evolving situation on the ground,” Chikli stated during an interview with Israel’s Kan radio. He highlighted that the future governance and reconstruction of Gaza post-conflict would be crucial.

The length of the ceasefire has consistently been a major point of contention in multiple rounds of unsuccessful negotiations. While Hamas seeks an end to the conflict, Israel insists on the termination of Hamas’ governance in Gaza as a prerequisite. “The complete resolution of the war remains unresolved,” the Palestinian official remarked.

Israeli minister Zeev Elkin, part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet, mentioned on Israel’s Army Radio that the goal is to establish a mutually agreed framework to address this disparity in a subsequent phase of the ceasefire agreement.

Chikli indicated that the initial phase would focus on humanitarian efforts, lasting 42 days and involving the release of hostages.

HOSPITAL

The conflict was ignited by Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the abduction of 251 people to Gaza, according to Israeli reports. In response, Israel’s military actions against Hamas in Gaza have reportedly led to the deaths of over 45,200 Palestinians, as stated by health officials in the Hamas-controlled region. The majority of the 2.3 million residents have been displaced, and significant portions of Gaza lie in ruins.

On Monday, medics reported that at least 11 Palestinians lost their lives due to Israeli airstrikes. One of the few hospitals still partially operational in northern Gaza, an area that has faced intense Israeli military pressure for nearly three months, urgently requested assistance after sustaining damage from Israeli fire. “We are under constant daily threat,” stated Hussam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital. “The bombardment continues from all sides, impacting the building, the departments, and the staff.”

The Israeli military did not provide an immediate response. However, on Sunday, it announced that it was supplying fuel and food to the hospital and assisting in the evacuation of some patients and staff to safer locations. Palestinians allege that Israel aims to permanently depopulate northern Gaza to establish a buffer zone, a claim that Israel refutes. The Israeli government asserts that its operations around the three communities at the northern edge of the Gaza Strip—Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun, and Jabalia—are focused on targeting Hamas militants.

On Monday, Tom Fletcher, the United Nations’ aid chief, stated that Israeli forces have obstructed efforts to deliver essential aid in northern Gaza. “North Gaza has been under a near-total siege for over two months, raising the specter of famine,” he remarked. “South Gaza is extremely overcrowded, leading to horrific living conditions and escalating humanitarian needs as winter approaches.”