Title: Long-term Ceasefire Between Israel and Hamas May Require Significant Concessions
According to Egyptian and Qatari officials, a long-term ceasefire between Israel and Hamas may necessitate difficult concessions from both sides. These concessions could include the release of Israeli soldiers abducted in the Gaza Strip in exchange for the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons. Such a ceasefire could also oblige Israel to halt ground activity in the southern Gaza Strip, while Hamas may be forced to accept the disarmament of the organization.
This information aligns with reports of a forthcoming tripartite meeting in Doha between the head of the Mossad, the head of the CIA, and the Prime Minister of Qatar. According to these reports, the focus of the meeting will be the plan to release the hostages, with the deal proposed by the CIA supposed to be broader and include a larger number of abductees, as well as a longer-lasting ceasefire.
However, the chairman of the state camp and member of the war cabinet, Benny Gantz, expressed skepticism about the prospects for a long-term ceasefire. During a visit to the south, Gantz stated, “After the cease-fire – there will be renewed fire. The entire War Cabinet is united in this position. There is no other option.” He also emphasized that Israel is preparing for the next stages of the conflict and the expansion of maneuvers throughout the Gaza Strip, with a commitment to the security of the country’s citizens.
The potential for a long-term ceasefire remains uncertain, with both Israeli and Hamas officials facing challenges in making the necessary concessions. The evolving situation will likely be a topic of discussion in the upcoming tripartite meeting, as well as in ongoing negotiations between the two sides.