Negotiations in Paris for a hostage deal in Gaza are facing tension as a senior Hamas official claims that Israel's newly revealed post-war blueprint for the Palestinian Territory is hindering progress. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented his plan to Israel's security cabinet, which includes proposals that key parties, including the United States, reject. The plan entails no statehood, total Israeli security control of Gaza, potentially illegal buffer zones, and other contentious points.
Netanyahu's plan has caused discord with various parties, including the Palestinians and the United States. While some view it as a response to criticism for not outlining a clear vision for post-war Gaza earlier, others see it as a divergence from established positions. For instance, President Biden's administration has advocated for a revitalized Palestinian authority to govern both the West Bank and Gaza after the conflict, a notion rejected by Netanyahu.
The proposal of buffer zones and Israeli military control has raised concerns among neighboring countries like Egypt, which shares a border with Gaza. Egypt, along with the UAE and Secretary Blinken, has expressed opposition to several aspects of Netanyahu's plan, citing inconsistencies with international law and the lack of a Palestinian state.
Netanyahu's political motivations also play a significant role in the formulation of the plan, as he seeks to maintain support from his far-right coalition and secure his political survival. His historical stance against an independent Palestinian state and his alignment with the settler movement further shape his approach to the conflict.
In a move that further complicates negotiations, Netanyahu announced the construction of 3,000 new homes for Israeli settlements in the West Bank, drawing criticism from Secretary Blinken for violating international law. The U.S. government's response reflects a shift from the policies of the previous administration, signaling a return to the traditional stance of condemning settlement expansion as an obstacle to peace.
