Determination and Despair over Ceasefire

On Thursday Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to harden his demands within the ceasefire and hostage release negotiations, while the Americans continue to be positive about an agreement getting closer. Their optimism stems from Hamas softening some of its requirements. And that could be the cause of Netanyahu’s latest demands because intelligence reports suggest Hamas wants a ceasefire now it is facing defeat in the fighting.

As many would expect, Netanyahu is seeking the best agreement he can achieve out of the negotiations. This is not surprising given that previous reports mention the release of just 25 to 30 hostages in the first phase of an agreement, which would leave 90 or more in the hands of their terrorist captors.

The Americans are continually emphasising the chances of an agreement because it would be a huge foreign policy success for President Joe Biden, whose campaign for re-election has run into major difficulties.

US and Israeli officials say senior Hamas commanders in Gaza have told the Hamas political leadership in Qatar that the situation in Gaza is urgent and they need a ceasefire. Indeed, on Wednesday one US official was quoted as saying Hamas is in "rough shape," running out of ammunition and supplies. It is also facing growing discontent from Gazan civilians who are now more vocal in demanding a ceasefire.

The pressure upon Netanyahu and his government from families and friends of the hostages is enormous, leading many to accuse him of not really wanting an agreement or focusing on his own political interests rather than those of the hostages.

However, the intensity of the desire to see the hostages freed is leading many to ignore the severity of Israel’s overall security situation, faced with multiple enemies who are backed by Iran. Israel has a very great need for major change in the situation of communities close to the Gaza Strip and others close to the border with Lebanon.

The following Democracy Now interview with ex-Israeli peace negotiator Daniel Levy is an example of ignoring that overall situation.