Concerns Over Ceasefire: Ambiguities in Gaza Hostage Deal Could Derail Peace Efforts

The proposed agreement for the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip is fraught with ambiguity, raising concerns about its potential to establish a lasting ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, according to the Washington Post.

Even if an agreement is finalized, there are significant doubts about its ability to end the Gaza conflict due to unclear terms, the newspaper reported. The draft agreement suggests that after Hamas releases most hostages, Israel and Hamas will engage in ceasefire negotiations within the first six weeks of the truce. However, sources indicate that if Israel deems the talks unsuccessful, it might resume military operations in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office previously stated that Netanyahu is focused on advancing a deal to secure the release of as many hostages as possible, while also maintaining the IDF’s presence along the Gaza-Egypt border.

A joint statement from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, issued by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Sisi’s office, revealed that mediators have presented a ceasefire proposal aimed at bridging the gaps between Israel and Hamas. The statement highlighted that discussions held on Thursday and Friday in Doha were serious and constructive. It added that senior officials from Egypt, the U.S., and Qatar will convene in Cairo before the end of next week in an effort to finalize an agreement based on the recent proposals.