Peloni: No doubt emboldened by Harris’ comments during her presser with Bibi, Hamas reacted by rejecting the latest hostage proposal.
Jonathan Schanzer & Richard Goldberg | FDD July 26, 2024
Hamas rejected a reported Israeli proposal on July 26 to screen Palestinians who return to the northern half of the Gaza Strip in the event of an agreed ceasefire, accusing Israel of stalling negotiations. An unnamed Israeli official told Reuters that the rejection was “bizarre,” as Israel has not sent the proposal and “nobody has read it yet.” Israeli negotiators are understood to view the change as a necessary concession to prevent Hamas fighters, or civilians who provide covert support to Hamas, from returning to the northern part of the strip and bolstering the remaining Hamas fighters entrenched there.
Israel also maintains that its forces should be allowed to remain in control of the Philadelphi Corridor, which runs along Gaza’s border with Egypt. During operations conducted in the area since May, the Israel Defense Forces have uncovered dozens of tunnels that were used by Hamas to smuggle weapons, supplies, and fighters into the enclave. Despite disagreement on the final details between Israel and Hamas, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said on July 25 that the negotiations are “closer now … than we’ve been before. The gaps are closable, no question about that.”
Expert Analysis
“Hamas remains intransigent and indifferent to the lives of the Israelis still alive and in their custody. What’s needed right now is for the White House to squeeze Hamas’s patrons — Iran, Qatar, Turkey, Malaysia, and others — with as much pressure as it can muster. This always has been the only way to end the hostage crisis, and perhaps the war. For reasons unclear, the White House has declined to do so.” — Jonathan Schanzer, FDD Senior Vice President for Research
“Allowing terrorists to roam freely through Gaza to organize terror attacks, intimidate local communities, and prevent the emergence of peace and stability seems like a very bad idea. Israel may yet concede some of these demands to bring the hostages home, but it’s a reminder that Hamas has one goal: Maintaining its ability to wage war on Israel from Gaza.” — Richard Goldberg, FDD Senior Advisor
Netanyahu Faces Pressure to Sign a Deal
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris — the Democratic Party’s nominee for president — with both calling on Netanyahu to sign a ceasefire agreement without delay. Harris spoke to the media following her meeting, saying that while she supports Israel’s right to defend itself, “how it does so matters.” Harris added: “We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering [of the Palestinians]. And I will not be silent.” Prior to their July 26 meeting at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida, former President Donald Trump urged Netanyahu to end the war “quickly,” adding that he believed Israel was “getting decimated” by negative publicity during an interview on Fox News. Trump did not specify whether the war should be ended through a ceasefire deal or military action.
Netanyahu Vows Total Victory Over Hamas
During his speech to a joint session of the U.S. Congress on July 24, Netanyahu said, “The war in Gaza could end tomorrow if Hamas surrenders, disarms, and returns all the hostages. But if they don’t, Israel will fight until we destroy Hamas’s military capabilities and its rule in Gaza and bring all our hostages home.”
On July 24, Israeli negotiators, who were scheduled to fly to talks in Qatar, delayed their departure to the following week. A senior Israeli official told The Times of Israel that the postponement is to allow Netanyahu to meet with Biden and discuss the emerging deal, which Biden proposed in May.
Related Analysis
“CIA Director Reports Hamas Military Commanders Pressing Yahya Sinwar to End War,” FDD Flash Brief
“Netanyahu Dismisses Claim That Israel May Vacate the Philadelphi Corridor,” FDD Flash Brief
“Israel Orders Evacuation of Gaza City as Ceasefire Talks Persist,” FDD Flash Brief
“Seventeen Countries Urge Hamas to Accept Ceasefire Proposal,” FDD Flash Brief
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