Residents of Gaza are currently experiencing a tense anticipation, holding onto hope that the ongoing discussions in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, along with U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan, will lead to an end to the brutal conflict that has persisted in the region for two years. Nevertheless, they remain on edge, fearing potential setbacks.
“We hope that President Trump’s plan will bring about a resolution that ends the war and the humanitarian disaster we have been facing for two years,” shared Omar Abu Haloub, a displaced individual from Beit Lahiya, expressing relief at Trump’s rejection of the Israeli proposal to forcibly relocate Palestinians from Gaza, in contrast to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s demands. He emphasized that stopping the war is the top priority, and secondary issues can be addressed later.
In an interview with a local publication, Abu Haloub noted his keen interest in the details of the American initiative to cease hostilities in Gaza, suggesting that it might be the best achievable outcome given Israel’s determination to continue its military actions. He warned that rejecting the plan could lead to intensified airstrikes and further bloodshed, continuing the suffering of those who have been displaced.
Ahmed Abu Jame from Gaza hopes for a swift end to the war, regardless of the specific terms of an agreement, asserting that the most vital issue is stopping the flow of bloodshed. He believes that the chances of reaching an agreement this time are significant, especially after Hamas’s acceptance of the American proposal. “We are closely monitoring the situation in Egypt,” he said, expressing a desire for all Arab nations to exert pressure to alleviate the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
On the political front, the eyes of Gazans are fixed on Sharm El Sheikh, where Hamas’s delegation is meeting with Egyptian officials to discuss the details of the U.S. plan. U.S. and Israeli representatives are expected to join indirect negotiations, amidst concerns about key issues such as disarmament and the Israeli military’s commitment to withdrawal, fearing a repeat of events in Lebanon.
The issue of Palestinian prisoners, who are expected to be released as part of the agreement, holds significant importance in the talks. Reports indicate that Hamas will advocate for a release principle based on seniority, ensuring the release of prominent leaders from various Palestinian factions, including Marwan Barghouti, Ahmad Sa’adat, and Abdullah Barghouti.
Internal Crisis
Analysts predict that Israel may insist on selecting the Palestinian prisoners to be released on its own, potentially including demands for many of them to be exiled abroad, which could delay the implementation of the agreement. Discussions are currently focused on executing the first phase of the U.S. plan, which deals with the exchange of prisoners, involving a series of measures such as the withdrawal of Israeli forces from population centers in Gaza, reopening the Nitsareem crossing connecting northern and southern Gaza, preventing the flight of Israeli drones, and halting military operations during the exchange period to allow Hamas to gather Israeli prisoners in its custody and hand them over to the International Red Cross.
In Tel Aviv, observers believe that Hamas’s acceptance of the U.S. plan has placed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a precarious internal situation. The Israeli military is set to enforce a plan that has garnered international consensus, amidst considerable opposition from key members of his governing coalition.