What’s blocking a ceasefire deal in Gaza?
Former Israeli government adviser Daniel Levy tells The Bottom Line that Israel is not interested in a ceasefire in Gaza.
He says the Israelis are aware of the atrocities they commit in Gaza, but the thorough dehumanisation of Palestinians – coupled with a desire to dispossess them of their lands and human rights – blocks any chance for progress.
The result for Israel, Levy argues, is an Israel that will not be accepted in the region, even if some Arab governments “normalise” relations.
Hamas says Israel’s new conditions have delayed ceasefire deal
Our colleagues at Al Jazeera Arabic have cited a statement issued by Hamas, in which the group says it is showing flexibility and the ceasefire talks, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, are still going in a serious direction.
But the statement said Israel has set new conditions regarding withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, the ceasefire, the captives, and the return of displaced Palestinians, which have led to delays in reaching a Gaza ceasefire agreement.
Israel accuses Hamas of creating ‘new obstacles’ to captive deal
Israel has hit back at Hamas, saying it is the one creating “new obstacles” to an agreement.
“Hamas is once again lying, reneging on understandings already reached, and continuing to create new obstacles in the negotiations,” a statement from the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said.
Katz says Israel to maintain security control of Gaza Strip: Report
Israeli newspaper Haaretz is reporting that during a visit to the Philadelphi Corridor, Defence Minister Israel Katz said that security control in Gaza will remain in the hands of the Israeli military.
The Philadelphi Corridor, also known as the Philadelphi Route, is the 14km (8.7-mile) long strip of land representing the entire border area between Gaza and Egypt. Katz is quoted as saying Israel will ensure “security areas, buffer zones and controlling positions that will guarantee the safety of the communities [near the border]”.
Katz is also reported to have said Hamas will no longer exist in Gaza as a military or governing force.
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