Egypt-Turkey talks: Intensive efforts to remove obstacles to the Gaza agreement

The region is witnessing intense and rapid diplomatic activity, with all eyes on Cairo and Ankara, which are hosting a series of crucial meetings and talks aimed at resolving the intractable obstacles preventing the completion of the "Gaza Agreement." These efforts come at a highly critical juncture, amidst unprecedented international and regional pressure to end the ongoing war and bridge the gap between the demands of the Palestinian factions and Israeli conditions.

Context of the crisis and the historical background of the negotiations

Since the outbreak of war on October 7, mediation efforts, led primarily by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, have continued, with Turkey also entering the political arena due to its regional relations and influence. Negotiations have gone through several phases, punctuated by a brief ceasefire last November. However, subsequent rounds in Paris, Cairo, and Doha have repeatedly encountered fundamental obstacles. These obstacles historically revolve around contentious issues such as the Israeli withdrawal from strategic axes (like the Philadelphi Corridor and the Netzarim Corridor), the return of displaced persons to the northern Gaza Strip, and mechanisms for exchanging prisoners and detainees. The current meetings in Egypt and Turkey are seeking to find common ground on these points.

The Egyptian and Turkish roles: Strategic weight to save the agreement

The meetings in Egypt are of particular importance given Cairo's pivotal role, both geographically and politically, as it is the only gateway to the Gaza Strip via the Rafah crossing and a historical partner in ceasefire negotiations. The Egyptian discussions focus on the security and logistical aspects of the agreement and guarantees for its implementation on the ground. Meanwhile, Turkey plays a significant political role through diplomatic pressure and coordinating positions with Hamas leaders, making coordination between the two capitals (Cairo and Ankara) a crucial factor in overcoming the political obstacles posed by the two conflicting parties.

Strategic importance and impact of the event regionally and internationally

Reaching an agreement in Gaza is not only crucial for addressing the urgent humanitarian crisis and stopping the bloodshed, but also for the stability of the entire Middle East region. Failure to reach an agreement could lead to:

• On a regional level: The risk of the conflict expanding to include other fronts such as southern Lebanon and the Red Sea is increasing, directly threatening regional security.
• On the international level: The international community, and specifically the US administration, is facing internal and external pressures to end the war before the presidential elections, which makes Washington push hard to make these meetings a success.
• On the local level: The agreement represents a lifeline for more than two million Palestinians suffering from a humanitarian catastrophe, and it also represents a political way out for the internal parties in Israel who are facing pressure from the families of the detainees.

In conclusion, the coming hours and days remain crucial in determining the course of these negotiations, as the mediators rely on tactical flexibility to overcome points of contention and reach a formula that guarantees a ceasefire and an exchange of prisoners, to end one of the most violent chapters of the conflict in the region.