Gaza’s Fate: Ceasefire Hopes vs. Hardliner Pressures

Hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians have returned to Gaza City, which has been devastated by 15 months of conflict, in search of housing and missing relatives. Ceasefire talks are currently continuing, with Hamas preparing to free more Israeli captives in return for Palestinian detainees, some of whom will go into exile. Talks in Cairo concern post-war governance and the possibility of a Hamas-Palestinian Authority unity administration. The second stage of the ceasefire, which is slated to begin next week, might result in Israel’s complete withdrawal from Gaza and eventual rehabilitation. However, Netanyahu is under pressure from hardliners to resume war rather than negotiate further.

Editor’s Note: The so-called hardliners in Netanyahu’s coalition, mostly from far-right nationalist and religious factions, appear to be motivated by a desire for complete Israeli control over Gaza, rejecting any negotiations. Their persistence in continuing the war implies that they are pursuing ideological and territorial objectives in addition to security concerns. Some may also have economic or political motivations—extending the conflict keeps some industries busy, such as military and reconstruction contracts, while helping Netanyahu hold power in the face of internal political unrest. Gazans’ suffering could be viewed as collateral damage in their quest for ideological and material gains. [See also: Palestinians Doubt Ceasefire in Gaza, Israel’s Delays and Continued Strikes Expose Persistent Failures in Gaza]

Read Original Article