Netanyahu: Deal Between Israel, Hamas 'Not Close'
Facts
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that a Gaza cease-fire and hostage release deal is 'not close,' blaming Hamas for the lack of progress in negotiations. Netanyahu added that there are unresolved issues beyond Israel's presence along the Gaza-Egypt border — often referred to as the Philadelphi Corridor.[1]
- White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on Thursday that Hamas was 'the biggest obstacle' to finalizing a cease-fire agreement, though he hinted that the US had also been frustrated with Netanyahu's demands in negotiations.[2]
- In contrast, both Hamas, Egypt, and prominent members of Israel's security establishment have blamed Netanyahu for the lack of progress, arguing that Israel does not need to have an indefinite physical presence along the Philadelphi Corridor to prevent the smuggling of weapons into Gaza.[3]
- US and Egyptian officials indicated that the US was racing to create a proposal that addressed the Philadelphi Corridor and the Palestinian prisoners Hamas wants Israel to release in a deal. US officials stressed that though it felt like time was running out, the US would continue working toward a cease-fire even if this round of talks collapsed.[4]
- Hamas also reportedly has increased the number of Palestinian prisoners it wants released in the first phase of the deal. Officials have stressed that the overall framework of the deal has been ironed out, with most disagreement focusing on the first phase.[5]
- On Thursday, senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya said that the group rejected any notion of restarting negotiations from scratch or falling into a repetitive cycle of talks, as this would only benefit Netanyahu. He urged the US to push Israel to accept the July 2 proposal.[6]
Sources: [1]Timesofisrael (a), [2]Timesofisrael (b), [3]Al Jazeera, [4]Reuters, [5]Axios and [6]Palestine Chronicle.
Narratives
- Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by POLITICO. With the clock ticking, the US and its allies are confident that after some tough negotiating, a deal between Israel and Hamas can be reached. A guaranteed end to the war will ensure increased humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave, the release of Israeli hostages, and create a better 'day after' in Gaza without Hamas in power. The US will continue to work toward closing the gaps and ensuring that peace and stability can be restored to the region.
- Pro-Israel narrative, as provided by Jerusalem Post. The murder of the six hostages over the weekend should serve as a wake-up call to Israelis that Hamas — with its international backing and regional safe havens — cannot be negotiated with. Every Israeli wants to see the hostages released, but Hamas has used the negotiations to kick the can down the road and ensure its survival. This situation is one of the biggest security dilemmas Israel has ever faced.
- Pro-Palestine narrative, as provided by Middle East Eye. Everyone seems to understand — including most Israelis — that the main obstacle to ending this war is Benjamin Netanyahu. However, the US continues its charade of blaming Hamas for the lack of progress when the group has shown much flexibility in negotiations. The six hostages died over the weekend because Israel refuses to end its genocidal campaign in Gaza. The war could be over tomorrow, yet the US continues to back Netanyahu's intransigence.