Israeli officials have insisted that neither an agreement nor an arrangement has been reached with the Islamist organizations in the Gaza Strip. Rather, the officials underscored, that understandings that were brokered by Egypt and the United Nations have been achieved. The basis of the “understanding” comes down to a simple truth “If the peace is kept, Israel will allow for the supply of fuel to the Gaza Strip to be increased so that the inhabitants of Gaza will have electricity for more than four or five hours per day.” Furthermore, Israel will keep the Kerem Shalom border-crossing permanently open, and will expand the Palestinian fishing zone off the blockaded enclave’s coast. It is important to note, however, that the enactment of the Israeli transfer of Gas into the Hamas-run territory will be contingent upon securing funding from the Arab Gulf states. “God willing this is a good step, and God willing there will be more ways to ease (hardship) because the city is suffocating and the people need goods. Eid (Muslim holiday) is coming soon, we have catastrophic times, now God willing things will be better with the crossings open. And God willing it will be good,” a Gazan Truck driver said.
“The expansion of the fishing zone that the occupation is discussing, is worthless as long as daily war crimes continue to happen against the fishermen. In addition, the zone expansions that the occupation is discussing is not economically beneficial,” a Gazan Fisherman said.
Meanwhile, Israel’s security establishment believes that a ceasefire with the Islamist groups in Gaza will last and that Hamas is committed to avoid an escalation of hostilities. Senior officials believe that the powerful response during the escalation last week, in which the Israeli air force destroyed a multi-story building in the luxurious Rimal neighborhood of Gaza city, convinced Hamas to pursue a genuine ceasefire. According to the officials, Hamas viewed the bombing of the building as a declaration of intent by Israel, and became wary that similar attacks would follow.
While the Egyptian-mediated arrangement continues to gradually realize itself on the ground; Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is indifferent to the proposal. Although he allows the negotiations to proceed, the Palestinian leader did not attend any negotiations on the issue and did not promote the possible arrangement in any way.