Israel is seeking modifications to a truce plan with Hamas, complicating a deal to end nine months of conflict that has devastated Gaza. The key changes include:
- Screening Returning Civilians: Israel wants displaced Palestinians to be screened before returning to northern Gaza, fearing support for Hamas fighters. This deviates from the initial agreement allowing free return for civilians who fled south. Hamas has rejected this new demand, but Israeli officials state Hamas has not yet received the updated proposals.
- Control of Gaza’s Egypt Border: Israel also insists on maintaining control over Gaza’s border with Egypt. Egypt dismissed this demand, saying it falls outside the agreed framework for a final deal.
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US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators are involved in indirect talks between Israel and Hamas. The framework proposed by US President Joe Biden includes a three-phase process:
- First Phase: A six-week ceasefire and the release of women, elderly, and wounded hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
- Second Phase: Talks to achieve a permanent end to hostilities.
- Third Phase: Major reconstruction efforts.
Negotiations have seen significant hurdles, particularly Israel’s unexpected demand for a vetting mechanism for civilians returning to northern Gaza and its stance on controlling the border with Egypt. The situation remains delicate, with the US pressing both sides to resolve their differences.
The conflict, sparked by a Hamas-led assault on Israel on October 7, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement. Israel reports over 1,200 people killed and more than 250 hostages taken, while Gaza health authorities claim over 39,000 Palestinians killed and a large portion of Gaza’s population displaced.
Efforts to finalize the truce and hostage release deal continue, with US officials suggesting that a resolution is near but acknowledging remaining challenges.
