Israel and Hamas have been at war for 21 months. During this arduous fight, the mostly frail and aged activists were able to maintain a ceasefire for only nine weeks. As negotiations on a way to end the violence accelerate, both seem to be on a dangerous precipice. The political landscape is still very much fraught, with competing demands from uncertain parties and military mobilizations that risk upending negotiations.
The latest escalation started with the Israeli forces’ reoffensive on March 18, which was the clear breaking point of a previous ceasefire arrangement. Though the renewed fighting has led to widespread international outcry and condemnation, alarming reports about the catastrophe developing in Gaza have begun to generate public horror. Negotiators from several countries, most notably the United States, are doing everything they can to bridge the differences between the two camps. Their efforts are strategic and dogged.
Hamas’s Demands and Israel’s Response
Hamas has stated three central conditions in its drive towards a long-term ceasefire. The group calls for cessation of violence. They demand the United Nations to offer humanitarian assistance and for Israel to pull back to its pre-occupation lines, restored on March 2. These demands are informed by the continued humanitarian catastrophe occurring on the ground in Gaza. In the past weeks of Israeli attacks, over 1000 Palestinians have been killed.
Hamas was demanding guarantees from the United States that permanent ceasefire talks with Israel would continue. They are looking for assurances that violence will not restart following an agreed upon 60-day ceasefire. Yet negotiators have been at an impasse over how to meet the competing demands of each side.
The Israeli government has rightly faced rising condemnation from the international community. They are deeply troubled by the humanitarian disaster resulting from its military operations. Recent statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicate a dual focus on defeating Hamas while addressing the situation in Gaza.
“Of course, we will also need to solve the Gaza issue, defeat Hamas, but I believe we will accomplish both missions.” – Netanyahu
International mediators remain deeply engaged in setting the terms of a permanent ceasefire. Beyond that, they are addressing the root causes that have perpetuated this long standing conflict.
Recent Developments in Negotiations
These peace efforts have made notable strides toward a permanent peace agreement despite significant landmines along the road ahead. On Nov. 24—a major milestone for all stakeholders—105 hostages were released from Gaza traded for 240 Palestinian prisoners. This exchange exposes the nuances of the current situation, as both parties have given much in order to advance negotiations.
The first ceasefire, which began in early November 2023, lasted a mere one week. The second ceasefire was agreed only days before Donald Trump’s likely return to the White House. Our current ceasefire goes until January 2025. As part of this proposed peace agreement, Israel would need to agree to a permanent ceasefire.
No matter how many diplomatic overtures are made, escalating violence has largely eroded any push toward a peace process. According to reporting, at least 20 of the 50 hostages still in Gaza are confirmed to be alive. This unexpected news brings a new level of urgency to their continued negotiations.
“We have to get it over with.” – Donald Trump
These developments come as Israel continues full steam ahead with normalization talks. They have been sending a delegation to Doha, Qatar, to participate in negotiations that will build toward a permanent solution. Both use of regional powers and international mediators have helped to deliver much stronger guarantees that a peace agreement will be adhered to.
The Humanitarian Crisis and International Response
The continued violence has led to a devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. We recognize that Israeli military operations have led to the deaths of thousands of civilians and the destruction of civil infrastructure. As pressure from the international community sharply escalates, Netanyahu’s government is forced to reassess its military strategy.
Humanitarian organizations have warned that immediate, unconditional access is necessary to provide assistance, alleviate suffering and protect civilians ensnared in the active conflict. The United Nations has emphasized the need for a coordinated response to address the humanitarian crisis while pursuing diplomatic solutions.
