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Armistices

Gaza Talks on Brink of Collapse as US Awaits Israeli and Hamas Response

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As negotiations aimed at ending the war in Gaza inch closer to a critical juncture, the United States finds itself in a precarious position, relying on the goodwill of Israel and Hamas, which have resisted a deal for months. The fate of 115 hostages still held in Gaza, more than 40 of whom are already dead, hangs in the balance, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu facing pressure from his far-right cabinet to reject what they call a "surrender deal."

Key Takeaways:

  • The US has run out of patience with parties angling for better terms, with President Joe Biden's regional envoy Amos Hochstein stating that "there's no more time to waste" and "no more valid excuses from any party for any further delay."
  • Hamas has informed mediators that it is willing to meet with them after the Thursday session if there are developments or a serious response from Israel, with a Qatari diplomat assuring the State Department that Qatar will work to have Hamas represented.
  • Despite the setbacks, Hamas has expressed public frustration with the talks but has not given up on the process, with Suhail Al Hindi, a member of its political bureau, stating that the group will reengage if it receives a "clear commitment" from the Israelis on its last proposal.
  • The killing of Hamas leader Ismael Haniyeh has presented an added obstacle, officials fear, given his previous status as the final decision-maker in Hamas's political office and his intuitive understanding of what would be acceptable to Sinwar.
  • The Biden administration has continued to rule out using its most powerful leverage over its closest Middle East ally: the conditioning of military aid, with over $20 billion in new weapons sales to Israel approved in the last week.

Statistics:

  • 115 hostages still held in Gaza (Israeli officials)
  • over 40 hostages already dead (Israeli officials)
  • $20 billion approved in new weapons sales to Israel (Biden administration)
  • $3.5 billion authorized for Israel to spend on U.S. weapons and military equipment (Biden administration)
  • 300+ drones and missiles launched by Iran toward Israel in April after a deadly Israeli strike near an Iranian diplomatic facility in Syria (U.S. officials)
  • 93 people killed in a school in Gaza City housing displaced Palestinians in a Israeli strike (rescue officials)
  • 1,200 people killed by Hamas militants in southern Israel on October 7 (Israeli officials)

Sources:

  • The Washington Post
  • BBC News
  • Al Jazeera
  • Haaretz
  • Defense News
  • United States Department of State

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