Ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas are set to begin soon, with a focus on the future governance of Gaza. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s silence contrasts with Hamas’s show of power. Various proposals are emerging, including Trump’s controversial plan to relocate Gaza’s residents. The upcoming discussions aim for a complete military withdrawal and prisoner release, raising concerns about political costs for Israel. Hardline factions advocate for continued military action, while opposition leaders propose international oversight for Gaza.
Upcoming Ceasefire Negotiations Between Israel and Hamas
Negotiations for the next phase of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas are set to commence soon, with various proposals emerging concerning the future of the Gaza Strip. Notably, Prime Minister Netanyahu has remained unusually silent amid these discussions.
The current environment in Israel is heavily influenced by striking images: Hamas militants demonstrating their power during hostage exchanges while hundreds of thousands of Palestinians return to the northern Gaza Strip after being displaced by the Israeli military. They pass under banners proclaiming, “Don’t worry, we are rebuilding the Gaza Strip,” a statement that stirs mixed emotions.
Future of Gaza: Competing Visions
The future governance of the Gaza Strip is becoming a pressing issue, with diverse opinions emerging. For Palestinians, the aspiration is clear: they wish to take control of the devastated coastal region themselves. In contrast, U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed relocating Gaza’s residents to neighboring Egypt and Jordan, a plan he believes would offer a potential solution.
Starting next Tuesday, mediators will gather to discuss the second phase of the ceasefire, which is seen as a pivotal moment according to Tamir Hayman, director of the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv. “This second phase promises an absolute pause in the conflict,” Hayman states, emphasizing the urgency of reaching a decision.
This phase calls for a complete military withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and the release of prisoners, including individuals convicted of serious crimes in Israel. “This could represent a significant victory for Hamas, posing a substantial challenge for the Israeli government,” Hayman warns, indicating that the political cost may be beyond what Israel is willing to pay.
Impact of Hardline Politics
Amid these discussions, hardline factions advocating for a stringent military approach have gained traction, particularly with Trump’s presidency. Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right politician, is pushing for a continuation of the Gaza conflict with the aim of resettling Jewish settlers in the region post-conflict. “We insist that after this initial ceasefire, Israel must resume military actions decisively,” Smotrich asserts, seeking a conclusive resolution.
Smotrich openly supports Trump’s relocation plans, suggesting that if Trump desires a particular outcome, he knows how to achieve it. This stance has elicited concern among Palestinians, with political analyst Ghassan Al-Khatib from Ramallah suggesting that Trump’s statements act as a lifeline for Netanyahu, who faces significant political challenges following the war.
Uncertain Outcomes for Hostages and Gaza Control
There are growing uncertainties regarding Netanyahu’s ability to fulfill his primary war objective of dismantling Hamas entirely and whether he can secure the return of all hostages. In light of this, opposition leader Jair Lapid criticized Netanyahu’s administration, claiming that the current crisis is a clear indication of the government’s inability to lead effectively.
Another opposition figure, Benny Gantz, has proposed that Gaza be placed under international control while retaining Israeli military oversight. He argues for the removal of Hamas’s influence, the demilitarization of the region, and greater involvement from the international community in Gaza’s governance, asserting that Israel must maintain its military readiness.
As for Prime Minister Netanyahu, he has taken a notably cautious approach in his public remarks, with one exception being his acknowledgment of Trump’s assistance in securing military resources previously denied by the Biden administration.