Israeli officials and Hamas are still negotiating a cease-fire proposal for Gaza, with major gaps remaining as both sides arrived in Cairo to resume talks. Hamas claimed to have accepted a proposal with minor wording changes from a previous Israeli- and U.S.-led proposal, but Israeli officials disagreed. The differences include the interpretation of achieving a “sustainable calm,” with Israel opposed to any deal explicitly calling for a permanent cease-fire until it feels its military offensive has achieved its goals.
One key sticking point is the definition of “sustainable calm,” with Israel aiming for a gradual process towards achieving it while Hamas wants a permanent cessation of hostilities and a complete Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza. Israel is concerned that committing to a permanent cease-fire from the outset would leave them without leverage, especially as Hamas still holds hostages. The first phase of the proposed agreement would involve a six-week pause in fighting during which Israel would exchange Palestinian prisoners for the most vulnerable hostages held in Gaza.
Hamas proposed a framework for the release of hostages that Israel found surprising, including the release of hostages who had died and suggests prolonging the releases during negotiations for a “sustainable calm.” Israel had initially agreed to a list of 200 names for potential prisoner releases, with the ability to veto some prisoners serving life sentences. However, the proposed by Hamas removed this veto power, further complicating the negotiations.
As the negotiations continued in Cairo, Israel initiated a ground operation in Rafah to pressure Hamas into softening its negotiating stance, which Hamas criticized as a dangerous escalation. Despite the ongoing military actions, White House spokesman John F. Kirby expressed optimism that the remaining gaps in the cease-fire proposal could be overcome through continued talks between the two sides. Both Israeli and Hamas delegations were present in Cairo for the cease-fire discussions, with hopes that a resolution could be reached to end the conflict in Gaza.
