Diplomacy

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Qatar & Turkey Emerge as Spoilers in Ceasefire Efforts

Turkey and Qatar, which have taken the lead in giving political and financial support to Hamas, have made a concerted effort over the last week to undercut the Egyptian-sponsored ceasefire efforts between Israel and the Palestinians.

Al Monitor reported yesterday:

Having been largely isolated so far, Turkey and Qatar are trying to gain a foothold in the talks over Gaza. Working closely, the two countries and aiming for a cease-fire that includes Hamas in the negotiations and also eases the Israeli siege of Gaza. …

Due to its radical Islamic outlook and close links to the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas remains unloved and unwanted by most regimes in the Middle East… Few countries in the region are therefore likely to be pleased with Turkish and Qatari attempts at empowering the group.

Despite the efforts of Turkey and Qatar, Egypt is emerging as the player most likely to successfully bring an end to Hamas rocket fire from Gaza.

A multi-faction Palestinian delegation, including representatives from Hamas and Islamic Jihad, is expected to arrive in Cairo (Arabic link) soon to discuss the various options for a long-term ceasefire.

Israel has signaled that it would send a representative to Egypt tonight as well.

It appears that the Egyptians want to see a Palestinian Authority presence on the border between Gaza and Egypt to ensure arms are not entering the strip, said Udi Segal,  chief diplomatic correspondent for Israel’s Channel 2, during a conference call on July 30 for The Israel Project, publisher of The Tower.

I think there is an understanding between Israel and Egypt of making sure that Hamas cannot rearm itself through the supplies that will be transferred from the Rafah crossing, and I think the Egyptians are the ones putting in the condition that (Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas) will be responsible.

I think there is an opportunity to get (Abbas) and the Palestinian Authority inside the picture as a solution and not only as a problem.

No details of any Egyptian-proposed ceasefire have been publicized, but Segal believes the basic idea behind the plan is to implement a full cessation of violence, and then discuss the longer-term picture.

While the Americans are getting behind the Egyptian effort, some in the region are far from enthusiastic – in particular Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Last week, Al Monitor reported:

 “…Erdogan has no open channels of dialogue with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi — whom he has called a tyrant, and questioned his role in trying to secure a Gaza cease-fire.”

Not only did Israel reject Turkish and Qatari involvement, especially given their close ties with Hamas, the Palestinian Authority did too. As Khaled Abu Toameh reported earlier this week for The Jerusalem Post, “The PA for its part reacted just as angrily as Israel with regard to the Turkish and Qatari involvement. The Israeli media carried a statement from PA President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah faction which said, ‘Those who want Qatar or Turkey to represent them should leave and go live there.’”

Last week, Jonathan Schanzer and David Weinberg of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies warned that allowing Qatar and Turkey to dictate  terms of a ceasefire would be a “huge mistake” and would “reward them for bad behavior.”
[Photo: Hüdaverdi Alperen Demirok / YouTube ]