US signals progress on cease-fire deal, but effect on Gaza situation doubted

Although the US signals that progress has been made on a cease-fire deal in the Gaza Strip, Israeli strikes continue and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s goal of “total victory” against Hamas, hinting at a ground offensive on Rafah with or without a deal.

Whether or not a cease-fire deal can be reached in the near future, Chinese observers on Monday doubted a deal can influence the big picture of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict when the situation is developing toward Israel’s hopes at the cost of Palestinians’ lives.

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told CNN on Sunday local time that negotiators for the US, Egypt, Qatar and Israel “came to an understanding” on the basic contours of a hostage deal during talks in Paris, Reuters reported.

However, Netanyahu told CBS it was not clear yet whether a hostage deal would materialize from the talks. “If we have a (cease-fire) deal, it will be delayed somewhat, but it will happen.”

Liu Zhongmin, a professor at the Middle East Studies Institute of Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times that the temporary cease-fire deal under discussion and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are actually two different matters. The deal will be similar to the one in November, but that cannot bring peace to the Middle East.

Given Israel’s attitude on a cease-fire deal, the continuous strikes and a recent “post-war Gaza plan,” the war will continue in the direction of Israel’s hopes, Liu said.

Considering the prospects of the war, the ongoing cease-fire deal negotiation, for Israel and the US, is nothing more than a diplomatic approach to addressing mounting domestic and international pressure, Liu said.