Andrew Miller, the former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Israeli-Palestinian Affairs, recently shared insights on the potential for a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas before the end of President Biden's term. Miller clarified that his resignation was not due to disagreements but to prioritize time with his family.
Miller highlighted that the remaining obstacles to a deal involve the Israeli presence along the Philadelphia Corridor and the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli hostages. Experts involved in the negotiations believe that there is a zone of agreement on these issues that both parties can accept.
However, the main challenge lies in the political will of key figures such as Yair Sinwar of Hamas and Prime Minister Netanyahu. While there is a lack of demonstrated political will from these leaders, others within the Israeli government and Hamas are reportedly more amenable to reaching an agreement.
Despite the complexities, Miller remains optimistic about the possibility of a deal either before the upcoming election or during the lame duck period. He emphasized that the substantive issues at the core of the negotiation are not insurmountable and that a resolution is feasible if the political obstacles are overcome.
Miller's insights shed light on the ongoing efforts to broker a peace deal in the region and the key players involved in the process. As the international community continues to monitor developments, the hope for a lasting ceasefire and resolution remains a top priority.
