Unlocking Peace: Understanding the Key Challenges in Gaza Peace Talks

Negotiators from Israel and Hamas are currently in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, exploring possibilities for ending the ongoing conflict, which has lasted for two years. This meeting marks the closest the two sides have come to an agreement since the war began.

At the center of discussions is Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan. Israel has accepted it, while Hamas has shown tentative agreement. However, this plan is only a rough framework with significant issues still unresolved.

### Hostage Release

One critical aspect of Trump’s plan is the release of hostages. It stipulates that all remaining hostages would be freed within 72 hours of an agreement. There are currently 48 hostages held in Gaza, with around 20 believed to be alive. Trump mentioned that their release could happen “very soon,” with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggesting it might occur by October 13, coinciding with the Jewish holiday Sukkot.

Hamas has agreed to the hostage exchange structure but remains reluctant to release them without assurances on other parts of the deal. Trust between the two sides is fragile, especially after an Israeli airstrike last month targeted Hamas negotiators, deepening the mistrust.

### Disarmament of Hamas

Israel’s long-standing goal has been the dismantling of Hamas. Netanyahu has been vocal about not stopping until the group is completely neutralized. However, Hamas has refused to disarm, insisting that it won’t do so until a Palestinian state is established.

Netanyahu recently asserted that “Hamas will be disarmed,” emphasizing this will happen through force if necessary. Meanwhile, Hamas’s unwillingness to address disarmament in its responses has raised suspicions that their stance hasn’t changed.

### Governance of Gaza

Trump’s plan proposes that Hamas will no longer govern Gaza. Instead, a temporary body of Palestinian technocrats will supervise the territory, overseen by a “Board of Peace” that includes notable figures like Trump and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair. Eventually, governance would transition to the Palestinian Authority.

Despite Netanyahu’s agreement to the plan, he has expressed reservations about the PA’s involvement, which poses challenges, especially for hardliners in his coalition who want a strong presence in Gaza.

### Israeli Withdrawal

Another contentious issue is the timeline for Israel’s military withdrawal from Gaza. The plan recommends that withdrawal happen in stages, but details remain vague. A map released by the White House shows a gradual decrease in Israeli control, but discrepancies with existing military maps create confusion. Hamas will likely demand clearer timelines and conditions for withdrawal.

### Netanyahu’s Political Landscape

Netanyahu faces significant political challenges amid this conflict. His leadership has been under scrutiny, with accusations that prolonging the war is a strategy to maintain power. Far-right members of his cabinet have threatened to withdraw support if the conflict ends without a decisive blow to Hamas.

An interesting twist is recent public sentiment; around 70% of Israelis now favor ending the war in favor of hostage release, indicating a potential shift in the political landscape.

As the talks continue in Egypt, both sides must navigate a dense web of issues filled with mistrust and high stakes. The outcome will significantly impact not only the immediate situation but the future of relationships in the region as well.



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