Key peace negotiators are returning to Cairo this week to try to save a ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian movement Hamas. According to information from Politico, the agreement, which previously looked like the most promising path to a peaceful resolution of the conflict, is now on the verge of collapse.
American and Israeli officials confirm that this agreement, which takes into account the demands of both sides, is one of the most effective opportunities for achieving lasting peace. However, recent statements by Hamas about rejecting the agreement on current terms have raised serious concerns about the possible failure of the initiative.
"We don't know if Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar wants this deal. But if we don't reach an agreement, there is a possibility that Iran could try to launch an attack on Israel, which could lead to a full-scale confrontation," one Politico source said.
In addition, there are specific demands from Israel that make it difficult to reach an agreement. The Israeli authorities insist on building a wall on the Philadelphia Corridor, which runs along the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. Israel believes the wall is necessary to prevent Hamas from digging tunnels and to gain access to data from cameras and sensors monitoring the strategic area.
The failure of the talks this week could be catastrophic not only for both sides, but also for regional stability as a whole. The situation is tense and the next few days could be decisive for further developments in this long and complex conflict.
