The Middle East peace process is at a pivotal moment, with Qatar and Egypt urging a bold move to secure the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire. But will Israel cooperate? And what about Hamas?
In a significant development, Qatar and Egypt, the guarantors of the fragile truce, have called for the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the introduction of an international stabilization force. This move, they believe, is crucial to fully implement the ceasefire agreement that has temporarily halted the fighting.
The peace plan, backed by the US and UN, outlines a delicate process. It began with Israeli troops pulling back behind a designated 'yellow line' within Gaza's borders, while Hamas released living hostages and returned the remains of the deceased. However, the plan's initial success is overshadowed by the parties' disagreement on how to proceed.
The Qatari premier, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, 'A ceasefire cannot be sustained without a full Israeli withdrawal and stability in Gaza.' Qatar, Egypt, and the US played a pivotal role in achieving this truce, but tensions remain high as Israel and Hamas accuse each other of violations.
A major point of contention is the disarmament of Hamas, as outlined in the 20-point plan proposed by former US President Donald Trump. Hamas members who surrender their weapons would be allowed to leave Gaza, but the group has steadfastly refused this condition.
Hamas, through its chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, offered a conditional compromise, stating their weapons are tied to the Israeli occupation. They are willing to hand over their arms to a Palestinian authority if the occupation ends.
The UN-endorsed plan envisions a comprehensive solution: Israel's withdrawal, Gaza's governance by a transitional body called the 'Board of Peace', and the deployment of an international force. Egypt's foreign minister, Badr Abdelatty, stressed the urgency of deploying this force due to Israel's daily ceasefire violations.
While the Egyptian foreign ministry emphasized the commitment to the peace agreement, Arab and Muslim nations are cautious about participating in the stabilization force, fearing potential clashes with Palestinian militants. The 'Board of Peace' is set to be chaired by former President Trump, but the identities of other members remain undisclosed.
Turkey, another guarantor of the truce, is keen to join the stabilization force, but Israel views this with skepticism. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan believes Hamas' disarmament should not be the primary focus and calls for a realistic approach. He urges US intervention with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ensure the plan's success.
Fidan highlights the risk of the plan's failure due to Israel's numerous ceasefire violations. Sheikh Mohammed, meanwhile, asserts that Qatar and the other guarantors are determined to push for the next phase, which he considers temporary, advocating for a permanent solution that ensures justice for all.
The ceasefire plan includes reopening Gaza's Rafah crossing with Egypt for aid. Israel agreed to open the checkpoint but only for Gazans exiting to Egypt, which Egypt promptly rejected, insisting on two-way access. This decision sparked concern among Muslim-majority nations, who oppose any forced displacement of Palestinians.
As the situation unfolds, the question remains: Can all parties find common ground to achieve a lasting peace, or will the ceasefire remain a temporary respite in a long-standing conflict?
