Gaza Ceasefire on the Horizon? Hamas Ready to Talk After Israel-Hezbollah Deal

Edited by: Umar-Mark Victor

Source: WION

The recent Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire deal has sparked a significant development in the Gaza conflict. Just hours after the deal was announced, Hamas expressed its readiness to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza. This sudden shift in Hamas' stance has raised hopes for a potential end to the violence in Gaza.

According to a Hamas official, the group has informed mediators in Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey that it is willing to negotiate a ceasefire agreement and a prisoner exchange deal. However, the official accused Israel of hindering the potential agreement.

The Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire deal, announced by US President Joe Biden, marks a significant milestone in the 13-month conflict between Israel and the Lebanese militant group. As part of the agreement, Hezbollah will remove its fighters and weapons from the area between the Blue Line, the unofficial border between Lebanon and Israel, over 60 days. Hezbollah fighters will be replaced by the Lebanese army forces in the area around the Blue Line. The Lebanese army will ensure the removal of Hezbollah weapons and infrastructure from the area and will prevent their rebuilding. Israel, on its part, will remove its forces and civilians from the area over the same 60 days.

The deal also includes the return of civilians from both sides to their homes, as announced by Biden. The deal is designed to be a permanent ceasefire, according to Biden.

The deal has sparked hopes that it will weaken Hezbollah's ability to support Hamas, making it more likely for the Palestinian group to negotiate a ceasefire with Israel. US and Israeli officials have expressed optimism that the Lebanon ceasefire will pave the way for a similar agreement in Gaza.

However, the path to a ceasefire in Gaza is fraught with challenges. The ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas have been ongoing for a long time, but neither party has accepted a deal. Both sides have refused the conditions proposed by mediators like Qatar and the US, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's demand to leave troops in Gaza being a major sticking point.

Despite these challenges, Hamas' readiness to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza is a significant development. It remains to be seen whether Israel will reciprocate and whether the two sides can reach a mutually acceptable agreement.

As the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire deal has created a window of opportunity for a potential ceasefire in Gaza. Whether this opportunity will be seized remains to be seen.