Israel-Hamas Talks: Progress and Challenges

• President Joe Biden’s optimism about progress in talks between Israel and Hamas on a ceasefire and hostage deal is seen as a ray of hope.

• However, the actual deal is crucial, despite progress in talks.

• Conflicting narratives exist on remaining bottlenecks, with Biden referring to Hamas as an obstacle and Qatari and Egyptian officials blaming Netanyahu’s refusal to agree to more than a temporary ceasefire.

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is willing to accept a temporary halt in fighting in return for hostages, while Hamas demands a permanent ceasefire.

• Israel’s war objectives, which included destroying Hamas, securing hostages, and bolstering the state’s security, have been largely ignored.

• Israel’s long-term security risks remain, with the Houthis of Yemen firing missiles and drones at Israel, and Israel facing international isolation.

• Israel’s leaders and backers in the West should not prolong the aimless war, and Netanyahu should leave Gaza in return for the release of all hostages.