Gaza and the Ceasefire: “Positive” Signals Racing against Trump’s “Hell”

7th December 2024

2 minutes read

Gaza and the Ceasefire: "Positive" Signals Racing against Trump's "Hell"

Diplomatic efforts are accelerating as 2024 comes to an end, countered by Donald Trump‘s warnings of “hell,” in the pursuit of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, despite ongoing disagreements.

“Positive” Statements

During their meeting in Malta, on the sidelines of the OSCE ministerial meeting, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar told U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken that his country saw an opportunity to reach a deal to release hostages in Gaza and was committed to pursuing it.

Last night, Israel’s Security Cabinet convened to discuss efforts toward a ceasefire.

Meanwhile, a Hamas official said international mediators had resumed negotiations with the movement and Israel regarding a ceasefire in Gaza, expressing hope for an agreement to end the 14-month-long war, as reported by the Associated Press.

New Proposal

Egypt, which has mediated in past rounds of talks, is proposing an initial 60-day ceasefire.

During this period, Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners would be exchanged in stages, and humanitarian aid to Gaza would increase, according to a former Egyptian official familiar with the discussions, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump’s new envoy to the Middle East, met with officials in Qatar — another key mediator — and Israel in late November to revive efforts for a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza, according to the Washington Post.

Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said on Wednesday: “We are trying to coordinate our efforts with them,” adding, “We hope to overcome this situation before the president (Trump) comes,” referring to Trump’s inauguration on January 20.

Ceasefire talks had been suspended last month when Qatar paused discussions with Egyptian and U.S. mediators due to frustration over the lack of progress between Israel and Hamas.

However, a “re-energization” of efforts has occurred in recent days to end the fighting and free hostages in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, said Bassem Naeem, a Hamas political bureau member, speaking to the Associated Press from Turkey.

Trump, a staunch supporter of Israel, demanded this week the release of all hostages held in Gaza by the time of his inauguration, warning of “hell to pay” if it did not happen.

Key Points of Disagreement

Discussions hinge on major disagreements, including whether the ceasefire would be permanent or temporary, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the associated timeline. Israel insists on maintaining a long-term military presence in certain areas, while Hamas demands a complete withdrawal and a permanent ceasefire.