President Joe Biden has expressed hope that a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon could pave the way for peace talks between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. However, key obstacles remain that make any lasting agreement seem distant. As U.S. officials make another attempt to broker peace, gaps in the negotiations continue to prevent a meaningful resolution.
The Cease-Fire: A New Hope for Peace?
The announcement of a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah is being seen by many as a crucial step in bringing stability to the region. President Biden is hopeful that the cease-fire could set the stage for a long-term peace deal with Hamas in Gaza, following the violent and devastating conflict that has escalated since October 7, 2023. However, analysts warn that peace remains elusive, with many key issues still unresolved.
In the wake of the Lebanon cease-fire, Biden noted that U.S. officials would ramp up efforts to negotiate a cease-fire in Gaza by engaging with key players such as Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, and Israel. Yet, previous attempts by the U.S. to negotiate peace between Israel and Hamas have ended in failure. The complex and deeply entrenched conflict remains resistant to resolution.
A Stalemate Over Hostages
One of the main sticking points in the negotiations is the demand by Israel for the release of hostages captured during Hamas’s October 7 attack. While Hamas has expressed willingness to cooperate with ceasefire efforts, the release of hostages has not yet materialized. According to Palestinian political analyst Mkhaimar Abusada, Hamas has little reason to relinquish this powerful bargaining chip unless its own demands are met.
“The gaps have not narrowed,” says Abusada, highlighting that the fundamental issues surrounding Gaza’s future—such as the withdrawal of Israeli forces and Hamas’s long-term role—remain unresolved.
The Role of Hamas in Gaza: A Major Stumbling Block
As U.S. officials and regional players push for a cease-fire in Gaza, Israel is steadfast in its demand that Hamas be sidelined as a political force in the region. Israeli officials have made it clear that they do not intend for Hamas to play any future role in governing Gaza. However, Hamas itself has insisted that any peace agreement must recognise its authority within Gaza.
In an official statement, Hamas expressed its willingness to cooperate with ceasefire efforts but laid out key conditions that must be met for any agreement. These include the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the return of displaced Palestinians, and a comprehensive prisoner exchange. Despite this willingness to negotiate, Hamas’s insistence on retaining political control remains a significant barrier.
Hamas still seeks a political role in Gaza, a stance that the Israeli government—and its allies in the United States—have rejected outright.
The Political Landscape in Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government faces its own set of challenges. His coalition depends heavily on the support of far-right lawmakers, many of whom have called for a total victory over Hamas in Gaza. These factions are unlikely to accept any cease-fire agreement unless it includes the complete dismantling of Hamas’s influence in the region.
In fact, some Israeli officials, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have gone as far as to suggest that Israel should permanently reoccupy Gaza. This hardline stance complicates efforts to broker peace and makes it unclear whether Israel will ever be willing to engage in meaningful negotiations with Hamas.
At the same time, there are voices within the Israeli government calling for a more measured approach, seeking to use the Lebanon cease-fire as a stepping stone toward reviving negotiations with Hamas. These officials are exploring the possibility of a short-term deal that would release a limited number of hostages, with hopes that this could build momentum for a more comprehensive peace agreement in the future.
International Diplomacy and the Lebanon Cease-Fire
The Lebanon cease-fire has already been hailed as a crucial diplomatic achievement. The Israeli government’s efforts to finalize the Lebanon deal were accompanied by a renewed push to rebuild its relationship with Egypt, which could act as an important mediator in talks with Hamas.
Some Israeli officials believe that by sending a strong message to Hamas, Israel can increase pressure on the group to come to the negotiating table. The message would be clear: “You are isolated, with no one to support you. Now is the time to make a deal.”
While this approach has its merits, it is unclear whether Hamas will yield to external pressure, especially when its core demands remain unmet.
Escalating Conflict in Gaza
Despite hopes for peace, the violence in Gaza continues unabated. Israeli forces have been carrying out heavy airstrikes, targeting Hamas positions in northern Gaza. The latest attacks have left dozens dead and have led to further destruction across the region.
On Wednesday morning, airstrikes hit a shelter for displaced people near Kamal Adwan Hospital, one of the remaining medical facilities in Gaza. Witnesses reported massive fires breaking out as a result of the attack.
At the same time, the Israeli military claimed to have targeted a Hamas sniper unit in a school in Gaza City, resulting in additional casualties among those sheltering there. These strikes come as tensions remain high, with both sides continuing to engage in an ongoing military conflict.
“The situation in Gaza is becoming increasingly dire,” said one Gaza resident, noting the extreme conditions under which civilians are living. “It could be that we haven’t seen the worst of what the Israelis can do to the Palestinians in Gaza.”
The Human Cost of the Conflict
As the violence continues, the human toll on Gaza’s residents grows heavier. Thousands of civilians have been killed or displaced by the ongoing Israeli bombardment, and the civilian infrastructure in Gaza is rapidly collapsing.
For many displaced Palestinians like Ahmed al-Ras from Deir al-Balah, the cease-fire in Lebanon offers little relief. “Here in Gaza, I do not care who makes the decision to stop the war. What is important is that it ends as soon as possible,” he said.
As Israel presses forward with its military campaign, and with Hamas holding firm on its political role, it remains uncertain whether a cease-fire can truly be achieved in Gaza.
Conclusion: Peace Is Still a Distant Goal
The road to peace in Gaza seems longer than ever, despite the cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah. Both sides continue to make demands that are unlikely to be met in the short term. Israeli forces are intensifying their attacks in Gaza, while Hamas insists on retaining a political role in the region. Biden’s optimism may not be enough to bridge the gap between these two intractable sides.
The outcome of these talks will depend on whether both Israel and Hamas are willing to compromise or if they will continue to dig in their heels. For now, civilians in Gaza are left to bear the brunt of the ongoing conflict.
photo credit: AA
