FDD | August 19, 2024
Latest Developments
Israel supports a new U.S.-backed deal with Hamas that would result in the release of hostages taken captive during the atrocities of October 7, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on August 19. While the full contours of the agreement remain unclear, the deal reportedly addresses Israeli demands for a continued Israeli military presence in the Philadelphi Corridor, which runs along Gaza’s border with Egypt. The Israeli leader’s statement followed a three-hour meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Israel.
Hamas has previously rejected, most recently on August 18, multiple U.S.-backed ceasefire deals supported by Israel. “The next important step is for Hamas to say ‘yes,’” Blinken said after his meeting with Netanyahu. The latest ceasefire proposal reportedly emerged during meetings in Doha in recent days.
Expert Analysis
“By accepting the deal proposed by the U.S. in Doha, Netanyahu is demonstrating once again that Israel is not the barrier to ending the war. Hamas started this war and continues to prolong the conflict, which has devastated Gaza.” — Enia Krivine, Senior Director of FDD’s Israel Program and National Security Network
“Israel may yet obtain a deal that satisfies its immediate demands, from retaining control of the Philadelphi Corridor to securing the release of hostages still in Hamas captivity. But that doesn’t mean the war is over. As long as Hamas and its Iranian backers remain committed to Israel’s destruction as a sovereign state, any agreement can only be seen as temporary.” — Ben Cohen, FDD Senior Analyst and Rapid Response Manager
The U.S. Proposal
The latest negotiations follow President Joe Biden’s May 31 proposal for a three-phase deal that would suspend hostilities, withdraw Israeli forces from Gaza, and free the 115 hostages who remain in Hamas captivity. Under such a deal, Israel would also free some jailed Palestinian terrorists, ramp up aid to civilians in Gaza, and enable the enclave’s reconstruction.
However, unclarified sticking points in the proposal have held up progress. Chief among these is reportedly the irreconcilable gap between Israel’s intent to continue fighting after any truce until Hamas is defeated and the Hamas demand for a unilateral end of the Israeli offensive in Gaza. Israel has also rejected Hamas’s demand to withdraw from the Philadelphia Corridor. During operations conducted in the area since May, the Israel Defense Forces have uncovered dozens of tunnels that Hamas used to smuggle weapons, supplies, and fighters into the enclave.
“Hamas, PIJ Threaten Resumption of Suicide Bombings Following Botched Tel Aviv Attack,” FDD Flash Brief
“Israeli Delegation in Qatar for Fateful Gaza Truce Talks,” FDD Flash Brief
“Blinken Delays Visit to Israel as Iran Threat Continues,” FDD Flash Brief
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