Washington, Sept 5: U.S. officials are racing to draft a new ceasefire proposal in Gaza as part of ongoing negotiations with Hamas, which aim to resolve the months-long conflict and secure the release of hostages held by the militant group. In coordination with Egypt and Qatar, the Biden administration is attempting to break through the impasse that has delayed a potential ceasefire agreement.
A senior U.S. official, who requested anonymity, revealed that most aspects of the proposal have already been agreed upon, but two key issues remain unresolved: Israelâs demand to maintain control of the Philadelphi corridor, a buffer zone along Gazaâs border with Egypt, and negotiations over the specific individuals to be included in a potential exchange of Hamas-held hostages and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody.
One official hinted that a new draft could be completed by the weekend. “The feeling is that time is running out,” the official said, noting that a new proposal could be produced as early as next week. The urgency has intensified following Hamasâ recent execution of six hostages, whose bodies were returned to Israel over the weekend. âThereâs a strong perception that the ceasefire could slip away,â the official added.
CIA Director William Burns is leading the U.S. negotiating team, supported by White House Middle East coordinator Brett McGurk and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Despite the challenges, the U.S. is working to finalize the revised draft as a foundation for ongoing negotiations, rather than a take-it-or-leave-it offer.
Israelâs Controversial Demand
One of the most contentious points in the negotiations revolves around Israel’s insistence on maintaining a presence in the Philadelphi corridor. On Tuesday, five Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia and the Palestinian Authority, rejected Israelâs demand, with Turkey joining their stance a day later.
Under a three-phase plan, Israel has already agreed to withdraw from Gazaâs densely populated areas during the first phase of the ceasefire. However, the dispute centers on whether the Philadelphi corridor qualifies as such an area. Israel argues that the corridor is crucial for preventing Hamas from smuggling weapons into Gaza, while Egypt and Hamas oppose any Israeli military presence in the buffer zone.
During a recent round of talks in Qatar, Mossad chief David Barnea, representing Israel, indicated that Israeli troops would withdraw from the corridor after the first 42-day phase of the ceasefire. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, upon Barneaâs return to Israel, publicly stated that the country would not vacate the corridor until its security concerns were fully addressed.
“This has placed the mediators in a tough spot,” said a source close to the negotiations. “If Israel stays in the corridor, neither Egypt nor Hamas would accept the deal.”
Humanitarian and Regional Impact
The conflict, which began in October 2023 following a Hamas attack on Israel, has taken a devastating toll. Over 41,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza health authorities, while Israel has reported over 1,200 deaths, including the abduction of 250 hostages. Israel’s retaliatory strikes have caused extensive damage, displacing the majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents and creating a severe humanitarian crisis.
The Philadelphi corridor, controlled by Israel since May 2024, has remained a focal point for both sides. While Israel insists on its role in preventing arms smuggling, Egypt maintains that smuggling tunnels have been destroyed and argues for a Palestinian-controlled Rafah border crossing, the only entry point into Gaza not directly under Israeli control.
As the ceasefire talks drag on, aid groups continue to warn of worsening conditions for Gazaâs civilian population, especially after the closure of the Rafah crossing, which has severely curtailed the flow of humanitarian supplies and medical evacuations.
While Hamas has expressed a willingness to engage with the new ceasefire proposal, Netanyahuâs insistence on retaining control of the Philadelphi corridor remains a significant obstacle.
The international community is watching closely as the negotiations unfold, with hopes that the latest U.S. effort can finally pave the way for a ceasefire that brings much-needed relief to Gazaâs war-torn population.