Are Hamas-Israel Ceasefire and Hostage Release Talks at a Turning Point?
Plus: ICC may issue an arrest warrant for Netanyahu; US-Saudi deal could change the Middle East; US universities strike deals to end anti-Gaza war protests; EU unveils $1 billion aid for Lebanon.
Hello and welcome to Inshallah! I’m here to bring you the top stories from the Middle East. Come along on this journey with me to stay informed about the latest news and trends in the region.
Are Hamas-Israel Ceasefire and Hostage Release Talks at a Turning Point?
A Hamas delegation is en route to Cairo to respond in writing to an Israeli proposal regarding a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages, according to a Reuters source.
Israel’s proposal, sent earlier this week, suggests a 40-day truce in the Gaza conflict and the potential release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli captives.
The proposal outlines two phases: initially, 20 to 33 hostages would be released over several weeks in exchange for the ceasefire and Palestinian prisoner releases. The second phase aims for a sustainable calm, involving the exchange of remaining hostages, captive Israeli soldiers, and hostage bodies for more Palestinian prisoners.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, speaking at a World Economic Forum meeting in Riyadh, described the offer as generous.
Negotiations come amid Israel’s potential invasion plans for the Gaza city of Rafah, opposed by the U.S. and allies without a humanitarian strategy to protect civilians.Â
The United Nations warned of imminent risk to hundreds of thousands of lives if an assault proceeds, citing Rafah’s crucial role as a humanitarian aid hub.
Israel briefed U.S. President Joe Biden administration officials on a plan to evacuate Palestinian civilians before a possible operation in Rafah, but details remain undisclosed.
US-Saudi Defense Pact May Reshape the Middle East
The US and Saudi Arabia are close to a landmark deal, according to a Bloomberg source. It would offer Saudi security and a path to ties with Israel, conditional on ending the Gaza conflict. The pact could strengthen Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the U.S. against rivals like Iran and China. If finalized, it may involve U.S. Senate approval and provide Saudi with advanced weaponry. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman might limit Chinese tech for U.S. investments and nuclear help. Israel’s Netanyahu, then, would face a choice: join for ties with Saudi Arabia and investment or remain isolated. Compliance would demand ending conflict in Gaza and supporting Palestinian statehood.
Israel Braces for Potential ICC Arrest Warrant for Netanyahu
Israeli concerns are rising as the International Criminal Court (ICC) reportedly considers arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials amid ongoing proceedings regarding Israel and Palestine.Â
Emergency meetings were held in Tel Aviv to address this, with officials seeking support from Western allies. The ICC’s probe would cover Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank since 2014, but the timing for potential warrants remains uncertain, as the court typically doesn’t disclose such details.Â
Israeli officials warned the Biden administration of retaliatory actions against the Palestinian Authority should warrants be issued. Established in 2002, the ICC prosecutes the gravest international crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and aggression.
US Universities Strike Deals to End Anti-War Protests Amid Gaza Conflict
Anti-war protests at several U.S. universities ceased this week after administrations reached agreements with pro-Palestinian demonstrators, averting potential disruptions to final exams and graduation ceremonies.Â
Deals were struck at schools like Brown, Northwestern, and Rutgers, notable amidst nationwide chaos with over 2,400 arrests across 46 campuses since April 17.Â
Disruptions, including tent encampments and building takeovers, occurred at Columbia and UCLA.Â
Agreements involved universities committing to review investments in Israel or consider halting business with the U.S. ally amid protester focus on Israeli military ties amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.Â
Israel labeled the protests antisemitic, while critics argue it’s an attempt to stifle opposition. While some protesters were filmed making antisemitic remarks or threats, organizers, including Jewish individuals, maintained the movement’s peaceful nature, aimed at defending Palestinian rights and opposing the war.
EU Unveils $1 Billion Aid Package for Lebanon, Targets Border Control
The European Union announced an over $1 billion aid package for Lebanon to enhance border control and address the flow of asylum seekers. Much of the aid is aimed at supporting Syrian refugees and vulnerable groups in Lebanon, with a portion allocated to bolster Lebanese security services. The aid distribution will last until 2027. UNHCR reported a significant increase in boat departures from Lebanon to Cyprus, prompting Cyprus to suspend processing Syrian asylum applications and deny accusations of forcibly turning back asylum seekers.
Read more on AP News and one of my latest articles published on The New Arab about this story before the deal was signed, which can provide insights and background.
That’s a wrap for this week! Thank you for joining Inshallah! Don’t forget to share and subscribe.
About me
My name is Dario Sabaghi, and I am a freelance journalist interested in international news with a focus on the MENA region.
Check out my work at dariosabaghi.com.
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Errors and editing mistakes may occasionally occur. I appreciate your feedback and take all complaints seriously. Please get in touch with me on Twitter to report any issues, and I will do my best to rectify them promptly.
Cover photo: Jack Guez | Afp | Getty Images - cnbc.com