Washington, DC – After months of strenuous negotiations, the Biden administration is on the brink of finalizing a cease-fire deal in Gaza that would bring a halt to the intense fighting in the region. This agreement would involve the release of Israeli hostages by Hamas and the delivery of critical humanitarian aid to suffering Palestinian civilians.
According to a senior U.S. official, the framework for the deal has been agreed upon, with negotiations currently underway to iron out the implementation details. The U.S. has been actively involved in brokering this agreement, with Middle East adviser Brett McGurk and CIA Director William J. Burns shuttling between regional capitals since November.
While the framework of the deal is in place, a final pact is not expected to be imminent as the complexities of the details will require time to work through. If a final agreement is reached, it would be a significant validation of President Biden’s diplomatic efforts, balancing America’s role as a peacemaker in the Middle East with strong support for Israel militarily.
The agreement being discussed involves a three-stage resolution of the conflict, beginning with a six-week cease-fire during which both sides would make significant gestures of goodwill. Hamas would release Israeli hostages, while Israel would free Palestinian prisoners and withdraw its troops from populated areas in Gaza. Humanitarian aid would also be delivered, and efforts to rebuild infrastructure would commence.
One of the major hurdles has been the transition phase, where Hamas would release remaining hostages and both parties would commit to a permanent end to hostilities. Trust issues have been a concern, with each side wary of the other’s intentions during the initial cease-fire.
Recent developments have seen Hamas accepting assurances from a U.N. Security Council resolution, which provided a significant breakthrough in the negotiations. The resolution allows for the continuation of the cease-fire if negotiations extend beyond the initial six-week period, ensuring that progress is not derailed.
As the U.S. inches closer to finalizing the deal, diplomatic partners such as Qatar and Egypt have played crucial roles in pressuring Hamas and facilitating key aspects of the agreement. The potential success of the cease-fire deal could pave the way for broader changes in the Middle East region, including significant developments in Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.
Lebanon has indicated its willingness to support a package that includes the withdrawal of Hezbollah forces and border adjustments demanded by the militant group. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has signaled its readiness to normalize relations with Israel, contingent on progress towards a Palestinian state. Overall, the cease-fire deal holds the promise of reshaping regional dynamics and reducing the threat of wider conflicts.