Description: Israel and Hamas administrations have confirmed the presence of their respective special envoys in Cairo where negotiations would begin later this week regarding the second stage of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. So far despite several setbacks that threatened to end the ceasefire the hostage exchanges went uninterrupted as both sides delivered on their promises. Second phase negotiations are expected to be more complicated since additional exchanges are scheduled as well as the sensitive topic of deciding on the administrative governance of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Impact: With the Gaza ceasefire continuing, the second phase of the negotiations would be quintessential to continued peace in the region. Egypt, Jordan, Qatar and US representatives should significantly engage and present formative political and diplomatic solutions to the governing of Gaza issue, all the while ensuring constant engagement with both sides. Israel’s adoption of Donald Trump’s plan to forcibly remove Palestinians from Gaza and Hamas’ hard – line involvement in any future governing bodies in the enclave could lead to the reignition of the armed conflict. The mediators would play a key role especially regional players such as Egypt, Jordan and Qatar as they further influence Hamas into future concessions, while the US would play a key role in bringing forward resolutions which wouldn’t damage Israeli interests in the region.