August 23, 2024 - Dissecting the Implications of the Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations 

Israel’s assault on Gaza has claimed over 40,000 lives since October and negotiations for an immediate ceasefire are gaining momentum.

 

As Bethan McKernan notes ‘US officials have expressed optimism that a ceasefire deal in the war in Gaza “is in sight”, despite growing indications from Israel and Hamas that a breakthrough is not imminent and as renewed fighting rages in parts of the Palestinian territory. Washington has put pressure on both parties to accept a bridging proposal suggested during internationally mediated talks in Qatar last week, dispatching the secretary of state, Antony Blinken, on his ninth visit to the region since the conflict broke out 10 months ago. The latest round of negotiations, in which Hamas is not directly participating, were scheduled to restart in Cairo by Thursday but appear to have been postponed.’ As McKernan finds, negotiations for a ceasefire have ramped up, however efforts appear to be stifled by continued violence. Furthermore, Hamas, the main target of Israel’s war on Gaza are not at the table, indicating any resolution will be heavily influenced by Israel’s leadership.

 

The talks show promise, however, as Russia’s Deputy Ambassador to the UN notes, further pressure from the UN Security Council must be used to push the deal through. As Tovah Lazaroff notes ‘the United Nations Security Council should push a new Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal, Russian Deputy Ambassador to the UN Dmitry A. Polyanskiy said Thursday as he blamed Israel for thwarting the existing US-led process to end the war in that enclave. “Let's pass a new document, which would send an unequivocal message to the "spoilers " that they will definitely bear the consequences of what they are doing,” Polyanskiy told the UNSC on Thursday as it held its monthly meeting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.’ Polyanskiy’s remarks are merited, the UNSC could hold the key to influence a steadfast path to peace in the region. If UNSC members come together to push the ceasefire deal through, it could undoubtedly save more lives from being lost to the deadly conflict.

 

It remains to be seen whether the ceasefire deal will be a success, but it goes without question that the international community must coalesce to bring this conflict to an end.