SwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

That's Why It's So Hard to Achieve a Ceasefire

It is described as the "last chance" to achieve a ceasefire between Israel and the terrorist-stamped Hamas when the mediators gather again for talks. If it fails, there is a risk that the region will be even more on the brink of a major war.

» Updated: 19 September 2024, 14:47

» Published: 20 August 2024

That's Why It's So Hard to Achieve a Ceasefire
Photo: Abdel Kareem Hana/AP/TT

The goal of the mediators' meetings in Qatar's capital Doha last week and Egypt's capital Cairo this week can be simply summarized: hope of reaching a ceasefire in Gaza.

But despite the clear goal, the mission is far from simple. Representatives and mediators from different countries have been shuttling back and forth to the region in the hope of reaching an agreement. And even for those who work daily to try to understand what is happening during the negotiations, it is difficult.

I, as an analyst, feel like I'm sitting with a puzzle where I have 20 percent of the pieces, says Anders Persson, Middle East expert at Linnaeus University.

It's very difficult to get a correct picture of what's happening, he continues.

New Demands

One of the reasons he sees why it's difficult to reach an agreement on a ceasefire is that much of what is said and done is constantly changing.

Israel has made new demands. Among other things, they want to keep troops in two places in Gaza, they don't want Hamas to return to northern Gaza, and they want more living hostages released in an early stage. These are new demands that make Hamas furious, says Anders Persson.

If you then look from Hamas' perspective, I'm not even sure that their purpose with the attack on October 7 was to get a ceasefire.

I see it as Hamas still wanting a major war in the region and hoping that Hezbollah and Iran will be drawn into it.

Increased Tensions

Tensions in the region increased further at the end of July when Hamas' political leader Ismail Haniya and the Iran-backed Shia militia Hezbollah's commander Fuad Shukr were killed.

This made both Iran and its allies in the region, including Hezbollah, see red and vow revenge against Israel. So far, that revenge has not materialized. Analysts believe they have been waiting for the ceasefire talks to come to fruition and that such an agreement would make a response unnecessary.

But Anders Persson does not believe that the ongoing talks will lead to a ceasefire.

The reason it hasn't worked out so far is that one side's maximum bid is higher than the other side's minimum bid. Therefore, they have not met.

It's the same as if you and I were negotiating a condominium. I offer you two million and you want three, so we can never meet.

The Islamist extremist group Hamas attacked Israel on Saturday morning, October 7, last year. Around 1,150 people are estimated to have fallen victim to the terrorist attack, most of them civilians, and over 200 people were taken hostage.

Israel responded by declaring war and has besieged Gaza, bombed the strip continuously, and entered with ground forces with the stated aim of eliminating Hamas.

According to Hamas-controlled authorities, more than 40,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza since the outbreak of war. Large parts of the area's buildings have been leveled and aid organizations are warning of severe famine.

More than 100 people are still being held hostage in Gaza, according to Israel, since about the same number were released in exchanges and a few more were rescued. Many of those remaining are feared to no longer be alive.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Norway: Suspected spy worked at the US Embassy
1 MIN READ

Norway: Suspected spy worked at the US Embassy

Pistorius does not want to take over power from Scholz
1 MIN READ

Pistorius does not want to take over power from Scholz

40 People Killed in Attack in Pakistan
1 MIN READ

40 People Killed in Attack in Pakistan

Police Investigation: Prosecute Bolsonaro for Coup Attempt
1 MIN READ

Police Investigation: Prosecute Bolsonaro for Coup Attempt

Reports: North Korean General Injured in Ukraine
1 MIN READ

Reports: North Korean General Injured in Ukraine

Gaetz drops out after suspicions of buying sex
2 MIN READ

Gaetz drops out after suspicions of buying sex

USA imposes new sanctions on Russia
1 MIN READ

USA imposes new sanctions on Russia

Russia significantly increases defense budget
1 MIN READ

Russia significantly increases defense budget

Foreign Minister: Sweden Supports the ICC's Work
2 MIN READ

Foreign Minister: Sweden Supports the ICC's Work

Expert: ICC decision puts Germany in a difficult situation
2 MIN READ

Expert: ICC decision puts Germany in a difficult situation

ICC: Netanyahu and Gallant guilty of war crimes
3 MIN READ

ICC: Netanyahu and Gallant guilty of war crimes

Trump's choice of minister investigated for assault
2 MIN READ

Trump's choice of minister investigated for assault

Kristersson on the attack: Trying to intimidate the West
2 MIN READ

Kristersson on the attack: Trying to intimidate the West

Mette-Marit's Son Will Not Appeal Detention Order
1 MIN READ

Mette-Marit's Son Will Not Appeal Detention Order

Expert: We are not closer to a nuclear war
2 MIN READ

Expert: We are not closer to a nuclear war

Half a Billion to Ukraine's Defense Industry
1 MIN READ

Half a Billion to Ukraine's Defense Industry

Putin: Tested new medium-range missile
3 MIN READ

Putin: Tested new medium-range missile

Death toll soars after bombing of Palmyra
1 MIN READ

Death toll soars after bombing of Palmyra

Three arrested – would have murdered Israeli minister
2 MIN READ

Three arrested – would have murdered Israeli minister

Five arrested for terrorist offenses in Finland
1 MIN READ

Five arrested for terrorist offenses in Finland