Yossi Schwartz ISL (RCIT section in Israel/Occupied Palestine), 26.08.2024
This round of war could have ended long ago, but Netanyahu’s government wants to continue the war for a long time. Such a long war will let this government stay in power. Every time there is the possibility of reaching an agreement, Netanyahu presents a new demand/demands.
The Reuters news agency reported from two Egyptian sources that the talks in Cairo ended without an agreement, with Israel and Hamas not agreeing to some of the mediators’ compromises.
The Saudi channel “A-Sharq” reported from sources that the Israeli delegation demanded that the eight military points on the Philadelphia axis remain during the first phase of the hostage deal. The sources also said that during the negotiations, the delegation agreed to reduce their number to five points.
According to the Arab report, Hamas insists on a full Israeli withdrawal from the Philadelphia Axis. A Hamas official told the channel: “The Israeli army can return to this axis or any site at any time using military force. But it demands that Hamas and Egypt recognize this presence so that it becomes legitimate.”
The sources involved in the negotiations said that “there are proposals to bridge the gaps between the positions of the two sides on the issues of the Rafah crossing, the supervision of those returning from the south to the north of the Strip, and the number of Palestinian (security) prisoners to be released.” The sources said that “there is an opportunity to reach an agreement – if Israel withdraws from its demand to the presence of the Philadelphia axis”
“A political official” attacked the IDF spokesman – who clarified his words: “The return of abductees – a lofty goal but not the only one”
It was also reported that Israel has agreed in principle to the presence of Palestinian Authority officials at the Rafah crossing during the first phase of the deal which will last six weeks. This is to allow the transfer of terrorists in the terrorist organizations in Gaza for medical treatment abroad. On the other hand, it was reported that Israel has set conditions, such as not flying the PLO flag at the crossing at this stage, which the Palestinian side rejects.
The demand to end the war now, Israel out of Gaza All for all, which means a victory for Hamas, agitational demands. The strategic demand is Palestine red and free from the river to the sea.