Israel and Hamas accuse each other of violating the ceasefire: Will mediators enforce the deal?

Key Concepts

• Hostage Remains: The central issue of the current negotiations, with Israel demanding the return of the bodies of all hostages who died in captivity.
• Gaza War: The ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has led to significant destruction and humanitarian crisis.
• Rafa Crossing: A key border crossing into Gaza, currently a point of contention regarding aid flow and the evacuation of individuals.
• Ceasefire Plan: A proposed agreement, potentially linked to a "20-point peace plan," aiming to end hostilities and address reconstruction.
• Reconstruction of Gaza: A monumental task requiring significant funding and a clear plan for governance and implementation.
• Palestinian Authority (PA): The governing body of the Palestinian territories, seen by some as the legitimate entity to lead reconstruction.
• Hamas: The militant group controlling Gaza, whose role in governance and disarmament is a major sticking point.
• International Oversight: The concept of international involvement in managing reconstruction funds and ensuring accountability.

Prime Minister Netanyahu's Address and Stance

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a speech at an official commemoration ceremony for soldiers killed in the Gaza war. He emphasized Israel's unwavering determination to secure the return of the remains of all deceased hostages. Netanyahu stated, "The fight is not over yet," and warned that any entity, including Iran, that attacks Israel will face severe consequences. He reiterated Israel's commitment to achieving all its war objectives to ensure long-term security. Netanyahu framed the conflict as a fundamental clash between "barbarism and the Enlightenment," asserting Israel's position on the front line.

UN Humanitarian Chief's Call for Aid Access

Tom Fletcher, the UN's humanitarian chief, urged Israel to immediately open all crossings into Gaza and significantly increase the flow of aid. His remarks were made during a visit to the Rafa crossing. While Israel indicated the Rafa crossing might open on Sunday, it would initially be restricted to allowing only sick and wounded individuals to depart. Satellite imagery revealed hundreds of trucks awaiting entry into Gaza.

Hostage Situation and Negotiations

The return of bodies of hostages who died in Hamas captivity has become a critical element of the ongoing negotiations. Four more bodies were returned on Wednesday as part of a US-brokered deal that temporarily halted fighting. However, Israel has only received the remains of nine out of the 28 hostages believed to have died. Israel is demanding the release of the remaining 19 hostages whose bodies are allegedly still held by Hamas. Hamas has handed over 10 coffins, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirming one did not contain an Israeli hostage. Hamas claims difficulties in locating deceased individuals due to extensive destruction and a need for specialized equipment for rubble removal.

Aid Flow and Border Crossings

The situation at the border crossings, particularly Rafa, highlights the complex interplay between hostage negotiations and humanitarian aid. Hundreds of aid trucks are reportedly waiting for inspection. Israel denies causing blockages, stating that aid continues to enter Gaza as usual and that the Rafa crossing will open in the future as per agreements. Israel is calling on Hamas to uphold its end of the agreement. The Red Cross has corroborated Hamas's claims regarding the time needed to locate bodies and has urged Israel to allow trucks to pass.

Challenges in Ceasefire Implementation and Reconstruction

DW correspondent Tanya Kramer reported on the ongoing challenges. She noted that while a ceasefire is holding, the path forward is uncertain. The US President Donald Trump's "20-point peace plan" is criticized for lacking specific details on Gaza's reconstruction. With winter approaching, the displaced population faces increased hardship.

Reconstruction Challenges:

• Scale of Destruction: An estimated 60 million tons of rubble from destroyed houses, hospitals, and schools.
• Displacement: The vast majority of Gazans are unhoused refugees within their own territory.
• Rubble and Munitions: Clearing millions of tons of rubble and dangerous munitions, especially in areas potentially still under Hamas control.
• Health Risks: Decomposing bodies under collapsed buildings pose serious health risks, including cholera and tuberculosis.
• Emergency Housing: Providing adequate shelter as winter approaches, with an estimated 90% of houses damaged or destroyed.
• Long-Term Infrastructure: Rebuilding roads (nearly 80% damaged), hospitals, and schools, which could take over a decade.
• Financing: The UN estimates at least $70 billion will be needed for reconstruction, with the source of funding being a major question.
• Governance: The future leadership of Gaza and Hamas's role remain significant sticking points.

Perspectives on Reconstruction and Governance

Raja Khaledi, Director General of the Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute, discussed the rebuilding process. He emphasized that the immediate focus for the coming year should be on relief and preparing for rebuilding, not just the reconstruction itself. Khaledi highlighted the urgent need for decent temporary shelter, as many Gazans are facing their third winter under precarious conditions.

Khaledi criticized the Trump plan for being "big on generalities" and lacking specifics. He stated that Palestinians have their own well-developed plans for relief, rehabilitation, recovery, and reconstruction, which are also the basis for Egyptian and Arab plans.

A key argument presented by Khaledi is the necessity of Palestinian ownership and leadership in the reconstruction process. He stressed that while international oversight for investment and grants is understandable, the vision, design, and delivery of services must be governed and run by Palestinians themselves. He pointed to existing roadmaps, including aspects of the Trump plan and the French-Saudi plan adopted by the UN General Assembly, which advocate for a legitimate Palestinian government. Khaledi believes that a Palestinian government linked to a future state of Palestine, with institutions serving all Palestinians, is the correct approach.

Concerns about Misuse of Funds

The risk of reconstruction funds being misused by militant groups like Hamas was raised. Khaledi suggested that if the plan is truly for peace in the Middle East, it implies the eventual establishment of a Palestinian state. He proposed that an interim period could involve a multinational force, sanctioned by the UN Security Council, providing international oversight of funds and affirming the UN's commitment to a Palestinian state. He believes this, combined with a merging of Trump's principles and the Saudi-French initiative, could mitigate the threat of groups like Hamas reasserting themselves. Khaledi also suggested that if Israel ceases its involvement in fostering division, and the international community refrains from imposing authorities, Palestine can become a partner for peace and development.

Conclusion

The transcript highlights a critical juncture in the Gaza conflict, characterized by the urgent humanitarian crisis, the complex negotiations surrounding hostage remains, and the daunting prospect of reconstruction. Prime Minister Netanyahu's firm stance on security and hostage recovery, juxtaposed with the UN's plea for increased aid, underscores the immediate challenges. The discussion on reconstruction reveals a significant gap between general proposals and concrete plans, with a strong emphasis on the need for Palestinian leadership and ownership in the rebuilding process. The potential for misuse of funds and the unresolved question of Gaza's future governance remain significant obstacles to achieving lasting peace and stability.