There is an important conference going on at the moment in Cairo, and Hamas’ representatives are also among the attendees to negotiate the situation in the Gaza Strip. This summit, organized by CIA director William Burns, takes place as the confrontation between Israel and Hamas escalates. The talks are considered a final push in order to bring about a cease-fire and establish the liberation of the hostages within Hamas’s hands.
This negotiation is not the first time that the Israeli delegation, led by Mossad’s David Barnea, visits Cairo. The talks are based upon a framework initiative introduced by US President Joe Biden earlier this year. Some of the main concerns involve the creation of a western industrial zone bordering Egypt, More precisely, the buffer zone has been an issue of concern because Hamas has used the area to traffic arms.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheik Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani is also likely to join the summit, as Qatar also has a mediating part alongside Egypt and the United States. Nevertheless, mistrust in the attainment of an agreement remains due to the triggering events: a fluid political map and a historical narrative of injury prevailing across the two parties.
Hamas also said it would be open to offers, but only on conditions in which Israel pulls out from Gaza. At the same time, it is intended to preserve dominance in some crucial regions like the Philadelphia Corridor to avoid re-supply of Hamas. This corridor has been a significant bargaining area as each side has been characterizing the other as greedy.
The current war has caused displacement and severe devastation in the lives and physical structures of the people of Gaza. Perhaps the successful signing of the agreement will open the way for the enhancement of humanitarian aid and the reconstruction of the devastated area. However, the absence of consensus may fuel the escalation of the conflict and an unhappy end of the war for regular people trapped in between.
In Tel Aviv, thousands of protesters called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to decisively make that call. Some families wrote with frustration over what they said are stalling negotiations and new preconditions set by Netanyahu’s government. The former claim these conditions are slowing down developments and lengthening the conflict.
United States officials still hope for the best, but they know it may not be easy and can still take some time. Having representatives of such a high rank from several countries proves that the entire international community is trying to find the best solution. However, the use of time is fast running out due to increasing pressure on both parties to lay down arms and negotiate.
They are still in Cairo negotiating, and all people are observing whether this summit will help to change something and finally achieve peace in the Gaza Strip. The outcome will have one set of implications for Israel and for Hamas and another set for regional stability and for diplomatic initiatives at large.
