Last week, President Biden called on Israel and Hamas to accept a permanent ceasefire deal. Nine days later, however, a deal appears elusive. On Saturday, Israel rescued four hostages in an operation in central Gaza, engaging in heavy bombardment that Gaza hospital officials say killed more than 270 Palestinians. Meanwhile, Netanyahu is struggling to hold his coalition government together amidst discontent around his handling of the war.
Prime Minister Netanyahu seems to be pursuing a sequential approach, focusing on degrading Hamas militarily before considering the future of Gaza and the West Bank. Despite President Biden's proposal for a ceasefire deal, Netanyahu appears hesitant to pivot towards post-war alternatives to Hamas ruling Gaza due to domestic political concerns and the potential collapse of his government.
The recent raid to rescue hostages, while tactically successful for Israel, does not alter the fundamental challenges in defining success in Gaza and transitioning from military actions to political solutions. The need for a sustainable security and political framework in Gaza, beyond Hamas rule, remains unaddressed.
Regarding Hamas, the prospect of accepting a deal that undermines its role in Gaza's future seems unlikely, as it would require relinquishing leverage and accepting a diminished position. Without a viable partner for peace talks, the path to a lasting resolution appears uncertain.
While Israel has made progress in degrading Hamas, the absence of an alternative political entity poses a challenge in achieving long-term stability. The involvement of regional actors like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the Palestinian Authority, along with support from the United States, could be crucial in shaping a sustainable solution.
However, the reluctance of Israel to pivot towards post-war considerations may prolong the conflict in Gaza, potentially leading to a protracted period of low-level warfare. The focus on addressing security threats in the north, particularly concerning Hezbollah in Lebanon, adds to the complex regional dynamics and the challenges of achieving lasting peace.
In conclusion, the current situation in Gaza reflects a delicate balance between military actions, political uncertainties, and the need for comprehensive solutions to ensure lasting peace in the region.
