Between Sinwar’s Approval and Israel’s Rejection… An Uncertain Fate Awaits Gaza Truce Negotiations
Contrary to Hamas‘s official response and its refusal to participate in the latest round of truce negotiations scheduled for next Thursday, Israeli intelligence reports have revealed that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar is seeking to end the war, according to a message he conveyed to mediators in Egypt and Qatar, which they, in turn, passed on to Israeli intelligence.
Uncertainty
According to the American network “CNN,” there is still much uncertainty about whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to reach an agreement.
It continues, stating that Netanyahu‘s allies have informed journalists and other government officials that the Israeli Prime Minister is ready to strike a deal, regardless of the impact on his ruling coalition, according to two Israeli sources. However, the Israeli security establishment remains more skeptical about Netanyahu‘s willingness to make a deal in light of fierce opposition from far-right ministers in his coalition.
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An Israeli source stated, “No one knows what Netanyahu wants.”
The American network adds that it is clear Netanyahu will face a mountain of pressure this week from the United States to agree to a ceasefire and release prisoners, but even with mediators informing Israel that Sinwar wants a deal, Hamas expressed doubts on Sunday about its participation in the next round of ceasefire negotiations scheduled for Thursday. Hamas stated that it had requested mediators to implement a ceasefire plan based on previous ceasefire talks, such as those proposed by U.S. President Joe Biden and the United Nations Security Council in July.
In a statement, Hamas said, “Out of concern and responsibility for our people and their interests, the movement calls on mediators to present a plan to implement what they proposed to the movement, and agreed upon on July 2, 2024, based on Biden‘s vision and the UN Security Council resolution, and to compel the occupation to comply with it, rather than going to other rounds of negotiations or new proposals.”
Hamas emphasized that its recent stance was influenced by the Israeli attack on Saturday on a school in Gaza, which killed at least 93 people, according to local officials.
Avoiding a Regional War
An Israeli source indicated that U.S. officials have made it clear to their Israeli counterparts that they believe it is time to reach a ceasefire agreement to avoid a broader regional war.
The Forum of Hostages and Missing Families, a powerful voice in Israel, has called on “Israel and Hamas” to finalize a hostage agreement and a ceasefire.
In a statement on Thursday, the forum said, “The agreement is the only way to bring all the hostages home. Time is running out. The hostages have no more time to spare. The agreement must be signed now!”
Meanwhile, Netanyahu‘s coalition partners have made it clear that they do not want Israel to strike a deal with Hamas.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich described the proposed ceasefire agreement as a “surrender agreement” on Friday, and White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby criticized Smotrich’s comments, saying, “His arguments are completely wrong.”
Netanyahu‘s Future
According to the American network, Netanyahu‘s political future largely depends on his coalition partners – many of whom have already threatened to withdraw from the government and cause its collapse if he agrees to the deal.
It continues by stating that the Knesset (the Israeli parliament) is currently out of session due to its summer recess, making it difficult – but not impossible – for Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir to bring down the current government.
Israeli sources have indicated that Netanyahu might call for elections if a ceasefire agreement is reached, allowing him to control the timing of such elections.
