A cease-fire agreement reached in January for the Gaza Strip is on the verge of collapse, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushing a new formula that ignores key elements of the original accord. The agreement, which included the release of hostages, Israeli military withdrawals, and a reconstruction plan, has been repeatedly violated by Israel, including air and ground attacks that have inflicted casualties.
Netanyahu’s proposal, which includes a 50-day cease-fire with no permanent end to hostilities, is seen as a non-starter for Hamas. The group describes the proposal as an attempt to “renege on the agreement” and evade negotiations. Meanwhile, Israel has begun blocking humanitarian aid from entering the Gaza Strip, further straining relations.
The Trump administration’s deference to Netanyahu’s views has emboldened him to push for a policy that prioritizes Israeli interests over Palestinian rights. The administration’s rejection of an Egyptian proposal that could have provided a framework for rebuilding the Gaza Strip has raised concerns about US credibility on international issues.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with the civilian population facing ongoing poverty and insecurity. Any future resolution will need to address these underlying issues and prioritize the needs of the Palestinian people. The Arab states’ endorsement of an Egyptian plan for reconstruction and temporary administration of the Gaza Strip offers a potential path forward, but its rejection by Israel highlights the need for a more collaborative approach.
Source: https://responsiblestatecraft.org/gaza-ceasefire-2671282579