Politico: Gaza ceasefire deal on brink of collapse amid stalled talks

The latest proposal to end the conflict in Gaza is on the verge of collapse, with no immediate alternative agreement in sight, according to sources from the US and Israel.

The current deal, crafted over several weeks in July by the US, Israel, Egypt, and Qatar, represents the most comprehensive attempt to date, addressing the demands of both Hamas and Israel. Despite Israel’s endorsement, Hamas has publicly rejected the agreement, Caliber.Az reports, citing Politico.

US officials are increasingly concerned that this proposal might fail, echoing the breakdowns of previous negotiations. “We don’t know if Sinwar wants this deal,” said one official familiar with the ongoing discussions. “But if we don’t get the deal, there’s a chance that Iran attacks and this escalates into a full-blown confrontation.”

The Biden administration had recently shown optimism, with Hamas signalling some private willingness to accept the deal. However, there is growing frustration among White House officials as public statements from Hamas cast doubt on whether the group’s opposition is a genuine refusal or a negotiating tactic. “Although some in the White House remain confident, many are now frustrated by the group’s public rhetoric and unsure whether Hamas’s remarks are merely bluster, a negotiating tactic, or whether the group is sincerely against the agreement,” an official stated.

Senior White House adviser Brett McGurk and other negotiators are set to return to Cairo this week to address the remaining issues. If they fail to secure Hamas's agreement, the prospect of increased violence involving Israel, Hezbollah, and potentially Iran becomes more likely.

The National Security Council and the Israeli embassy in Washington have declined to comment on the sensitive diplomatic situation. Previous attempts at securing a deal, including a multiphase proposal announced by President Joe Biden in May, have faltered due to the imposition of new conditions by both parties.