Trump and His Influence on the Israel-Hamas Peace Negotiations

Donald Trump, in collaboration with his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and under the mediation of Qatar’s Emir, Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, is leading a critical negotiation from Doha to achieve a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. These discussions are crucial to ending the violence and addressing sensitive issues such as hostage release, military deployment, and humanitarian aid access in Gaza.

The Most Contentious Issues in Israel-Hamas Negotiations

The meetings have highlighted several significant differences between Israel and Hamas:

1. Hostage release:
   Hamas is expected to release 33 civilians, including women, children, and seriously injured individuals. However, Israel demands that female soldiers also be included in this phase, a condition Hamas rejects.
2. Prisoner exchange:
   Hamas proposes releasing one Israeli hostage for every 50 Palestinian prisoners. Israel agrees to this ratio but insists on receiving proof of life for the hostages before proceeding.
3. Specific prisoners:
   Hamas demands the release of Palestinians involved in the October 7, 2023, attacks, a possibility Israel categorically rejects.
4. Military presence in Gaza:
   Hamas calls for the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops, while Israel only considers reducing battalions, maintaining control of strategic areas like the Philadelphia and Netzarim corridors.
5. Humanitarian aid:
   Israel allows 600 daily trucks with food and medicine to enter but demands that their access be controlled by its armed forces. Hamas disagrees, fearing this measure will restrict essential resources from reaching the population.

Political Challenges in Israel

As negotiations progress, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces internal resistance. Ultra-conservative ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir reject the terms of the agreement and threaten to destabilize the government.

In a recent statement, Smotrich said:

“We are at a crucial and decisive moment for the security, future, and existence of the State of Israel.”

Netanyahu has convened his cabinet to make a final decision. A ceasefire will only happen if he secures the necessary support.

Trump’s Vision and the Future of Negotiations

Donald Trump, who plans to assume the presidency on January 20, wants the agreement finalized before that date. This goal adds pressure on Netanyahu and international mediators.

For now, Qatar’s Emir and U.S. envoys continue their efforts to reach an agreement that would secure the release of the 98 hostages still held captive and ensure a ceasefire that could last for months.