US prisoner exchange and ceasefire initiative for Gaza: key points

The former head of the Israeli Military Intelligence Division has revealed the details of the expected US initiative that aims to achieve a ceasefire and prisoner exchange in the Gaza Strip. Tamir Hayman pointed out that the initiative includes a set of basic points that could change the equation in the region.

He explained that the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the cessation of military operations is important in reaching a deal to return prisoners. However, there will be a firm American commitment to giving Israel the right to fight Hamas once again in the event that it violates the agreement, with full US support.

The Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority will return to the Gaza Strip after implementing comprehensive internal reforms. The plan for such reforms was proposed by former PA Prime Minister Salam Fayyad. A central role will be played by the Gulf states, led by the UAE, in reducing “extremism” within Palestinian society.

Moreover, there is a commitment to conduct negotiations for the establishment of a Palestinian state according to the guidelines outlined in the “deal of the century”. This could be followed by a normalisation agreement between Israel and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, supported by a network of mutual defence alliances. Finally, a regional forum for defence cooperation in the Middle East will be launched, to include the countries that have signed normalisation agreements with Israel.

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan announced last Thursday in a press conference following his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that there has been real progress in negotiations related to the prisoner exchange and ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

“Hamas’s posture at the negotiating table did adapt following the announcement of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon,” noted Sullivan, “and we believe that it puts us in a position to be able to close this negotiation.” A ceasefire and hostage deal would not only start bringing those hostages home, he added, but would also allow a massive surge in humanitarian assistance in Gaza. “Israel’s military progress against Hamas’s infrastructure formations and senior leaders has contributed to that context. So, the surround sound of these negotiations is different today than it has been in the past.”

Sullivan announced his intention to visit Doha and Cairo in the coming days, as negotiations with the concerned parties will be a critical step towards reaching a final agreement. He stressed the importance of reaching an agreement as soon as possible given the increasing threats to security in the region.

READ: Netanyahu orders tighter censorship on coverage of prisoner swap deal