The Elusive Ceasefire: The Challenges of Achieving Peace in Gaza

Despite the Biden administration’s efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, achieving a lasting peace remains challenging. The dispute over the three-stage deal revolves around Hamas wanting a permanent ceasefire from the start and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza before releasing most of the hostages. Israel, on the other hand, is willing to negotiate only after dismantling Hamas’ military and governance capabilities.

Former Deputy Chairman of the Israeli National Security Council, Shaul Shai, believes that Hamas wants Israel to withdraw and end the war while continuing to rule Gaza. Although Israel seemed closer to ending the war with its ground operation in Rafah, Hamas showed flexibility by reappearing in central Gaza. Hamas is determined to maintain its role even after the war ends, as it wants to continue ruling Gaza while displaying military strength.

Hamas has demanded that Russia, China, and Turkey act as guarantors and signatories to the ceasefire agreement. However, this demand is unlikely to be accepted by Israel. The proposed plan includes an immediate and temporary ceasefire followed by a permanent end to the war and reconstruction of Gaza. It also involves exchanging prisoners between Gaza and Israeli prisons.

Despite ongoing negotiations with mediators like Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, achieving a ceasefire appears more difficult than ever with both sides holding onto their maximum demands. President Biden has acknowledged these challenges but expressed hope for progress in ending the conflict.

Overall, despite numerous efforts by various parties involved in this conflict resolution process, reaching a lasting peace agreement remains elusive due to conflicting demands on all sides involved.

In conclusion, achieving a ceasefire proposal in Gaza remains challenging due to conflicting demands on all sides involved. While some experts believe that there may be progress towards peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians under President Biden’s leadership, others argue that significant changes are needed before any lasting solution can be reached.

As such, further discussions must take place between both parties if they are truly committed to bringing an end to this longstanding conflict once and for all.