V7N, August 21 — The ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza face potential collapse, with significant consequences feared by Israeli War Minister Yoav Gallant. Gallant has voiced concerns that if the ceasefire agreement fails, Israel could face a major retaliatory attack from Iran and Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based political and militant organization.

Tehran-based media outlet Perstoday, citing Israel's Channel-Twelve, reported on Tuesday that Gallant blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the precarious situation. Gallant accused Netanyahu, often referred to as the "butcher of the Middle East," of undermining the ceasefire efforts by persistently continuing the conflict in Gaza.

As Cairo, Egypt, prepares to host renewed ceasefire talks later this week, Gallant urged Netanyahu to present a draft agreement with Palestinian resistance groups to the Israeli cabinet. However, Netanyahu reportedly ignored this proposal, raising doubts about the prospects for peace.

In the midst of this, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, currently on a Middle East tour, stated that Israel has accepted the U.S. proposal for a ceasefire, placing the onus on Hamas to do the same. However, Hamas officials have accused Israel of introducing "new conditions" to the ceasefire plan, which they rejected. These conditions reportedly include the continued presence of Israeli troops along the Gaza-Egypt border, Tel Aviv's veto power over the release of Palestinian prisoners, and the deportation of certain Palestinian detainees to locations outside of Gaza.

Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States have been working to finalize a ceasefire outline first proposed by U.S. President Joe Biden in May. However, despite months of negotiations, no agreement has been reached regarding a ceasefire or the release of hostages by either side.

While ceasefire talks continue, the situation on the ground remains dire. Israeli airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza have been ongoing since October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of over 40,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children. Thousands are still missing, and the number of injured exceeds one million, adding to the urgency and complexity of the situation.

 

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