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Former CIA Director and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has criticized the United States calls for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
What’s the deal: In an interview over the weekend on Fox News, Pompeo said, “We should be saying plain and clear, finish the job.” He continued, “Make no mistake about it. We know history. We know the history from 1967; we know the history from 1973. There is only one thing that will protect Israel and make the Middle East more prosperous and peaceful and that is the demonstration of power and imposing costs on Israel’s adversaries.”
US Efforts to Reach a Ceasefire: Over the last year, the United States, along with other regional partners in the Middle East, have been attempting to push for a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas that would lead to the return of Israeli hostages and an end to the military operations in Gaza. Despite these efforts, a ceasefire deal has not been reached, mainly over key issues surrounding a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
Here’s a general picture of what Israel and Hamas are demanding:
What Israel is demanding: In the ceasefire negotiations, Israel is insisting on maintaining control over parts of Gaza, including the Philadelphi Corridor, a border area between Gaza and Egypt. Netanyahu has remained defiant about controlling the Philadelphia Corridor, with officials noting three main concerns:
- The risk of remaining hostages being smuggled out of Gaza which would reduce Israel’s chances of securing their release.
- The possibility of weapons being smuggled into Gaza so Hamas can be rearmed.
- The escape of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar from Gaza.
What Hamas is demanding: Hamas is demanding a permanent end to the war, including a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. They also insist that any agreement must lift the blockade on Gaza, which has severely restricted movement and trade for years. Additionally, Hamas and other Palestinian groups are calling for the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, referring to them as “hostages.”
