Tough Negotiations for a Ceasefire in the Gaza Conflict

The tug-of-war over a peace solution in the ongoing Gaza conflict is becoming increasingly difficult. The hope for an imminent ceasefire and the release of hostages is encountering more obstacles. In particular, the disagreement within the Hamas leadership complicates the talks, as reported by the "Wall Street Journal." Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas chief in the Gaza Strip, indicated a willingness to agree to a proposal for a ceasefire lasting six weeks, but the Hamas political leadership in exile is demanding more extensive guarantees aimed at achieving a permanent ceasefire. High-ranking intelligence officials from the USA, Israel, Egypt, and Qatar recently discussed a draft in Paris that provides for a provisional ceasefire tied to the phased release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, the Israeli security cabinet has not yet approved the proposal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed that he is not willing to agree to a deal at any cost. For Netanyahu, ending the war, withdrawing troops, and releasing "thousands of terrorists" in a hostage exchange are not up for discussion. The pressure wave emanating from the relatives of the more than 250 hostages abducted by Hamas during their unprecedented terror attack on Israel on October 7 is intensifying. Estimates suggest that over 130 people are still in the clutches of Hamas. Relatives in Israel are urgently calling on Netanyahu and his right-wing government to draft a new agreement for the release of the abductees.