Unequal Support in Ceasefire Talks
- Israel receives extensive support from the United States in ceasefire talks.
- Hamas faces unequal support compared to Israel in the negotiations.
- The imbalance of support raises questions about fairness in the peace process.
In May, a potential agreement appeared imminent as the US presented a draft proposal, which received backing from the UN Security Council. Hamas expressed its willingness to accept the proposal, demanding the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the return of displaced residents, international assistance for reconstruction, and the release of Palestinian prisoners. However, senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, reportedly undermined the negotiations, leading mediators to withhold his demands from Hamas. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, following a lengthy meeting with Netanyahu, claimed that Israel supported the bridging proposal. This assertion was met with skepticism from Hamas, which insisted on adhering to the previously agreed terms. Mohamad Bazzi, a director at New York University, highlighted the paradox where both Hamas and Israeli security officials pointed to Netanyahu as the primary obstacle to a ceasefire, despite US officials maintaining that Hamas was the impediment. Netanyahu's actions have raised doubts about his commitment to a resolution, particularly as the Israeli government estimates that 109 captives remain in Gaza, with US officials believing that half are still alive. President Biden has previously criticized Netanyahu's approach to the conflict, yet the Biden administration has refrained from conditioning its support for his government. Bazzi noted that Biden possesses significant leverage, including military aid and political support at the UN, but has not utilized these tools effectively. The administration's strategy appears focused on demonstrating engagement rather than exerting pressure on Israel.