On Monday, Hamas, a militant Palestinian organisation that currently holds control over the highly controversial Gaza Strip, announced its latest deal with Israel to de-escalate tensions and put an end to cross-border firing in the region. The deal was negotiated by Qatari envoy Mohammed el-Emadi. Following the dialogue, the office of Yahya Sinwar, a Hamas leader, said, “An understanding was reached to rein in the latest escalation and end [Israeli] aggression against our people.”
This comes amidst growing violence in Gaza, with Israeli forces conducting attacks in the region every day since August 4. The Israeli aggression is in response to the airborne devices used by Hamas to conduct attacks in southern Israel. Using what can best be described as “firebombs” fit into inflated plastic bags or condoms, Hamas has tried to pressure Israel into abiding by its previous commitment to end the blockade imposed in Gaza.
The blockade in Gaza was implemented in the region after Hamas took control over the Gaza strip in 2007. Consequently, fishermen from Gaza were restricted from accessing the sea for commercial use. Moreover, Israel also closed the Kerem Shalom crossing, which hampered the movement of goods in the region. This resulted in the closure of Palestine’s only solar power plant, leading to restriction of electric power in the area to merely four hours a day. While Israel has repeatedly defended a blockade which it believes to be necessary to restrict Hamas from acquiring arms and ammunition, several commentators have criticised the measures as a form of “collective punishment”.
As a result of this Qatar-negotiated deal, Hamas has agreed to immediately stop launching “firebombs” to Israeli territory. Sources say that, in return, the Israeli side will uplift the blockade in the region. While Israel did not immediately come out with a statement, COGAT, an Israeli agency responsible for cooperation with Palestinian officials, said that the “main goods crossing would reopen and fishermen would be allowed back to work, up to 15 nautical miles”. However, the organisation clarified that this decision was “subject to the continuation of the calm” and contingent upon the Hamas meeting their end of the deal.
Several commentators believe that Qatar played a crucial role in expediting this negotiation. Egypt has been trying to broker a deal between the two sides to bring an end to the 13-year blockade. However, Qatar, being one of the largest donors of the Gaza region, used its leverage to pressure Hamas into agreeing to end violence in the area. In fact, the announcement comes shortly after the delivery of the latest instalment of Qatar’s $30 million aid to Gaza. Israeli officials say that the Hamas’ decision to bring “a total halt” to the launch of the airborne explosives was in response to these financial incentives provided by Qatar.
Hamas, Israel Broker Deal to End Violence in Gaza
The deal was negotiated by Qatar, one of the largest donors to the region.
September 1, 2020
SOURCE: SKY NEWS