UK to Host Peacebuilding Conference Amid Tensions in Israel-Gaza Conflict
In a move aimed at fostering peace in the Middle East, the UK's Foreign Secretary announced that the UK will host a peacebuilding conference in March next year to help establish an International Peace Fund for Israel and Palestine. The conference, which comes at a time of increasing tensions between Israel and Palestine, will gather civil society leaders and is expected to set up a fund to financially support “peacebuilding efforts to deliver genuine change”1.
Background and Context
The announcement of the UK-hosted conference comes amid ongoing conflict and ceasefire violations between Israel and Hamas. Reports suggest that Israel has violated the ceasefire 738 times since it started on October 102. Despite the two-month-old ceasefire in place, the Israeli human rights organisation B’Tselem accuses the international community of abandoning the people of Gaza as Israel continues its attacks on the enclave3.
Meanwhile, the US-backed Gaza Board of Peace
is not expected to be announced until early 20264. This board is seen as a crucial part of the peace process, and its delay could complicate the situation further.
Key Developments
In a significant development, Hamas has offered to freeze all offensive operations against Israel from Gaza for up to a decade, and bury its weapons, if Israeli forces fully withdraw from the enclave5. This offer has been presented to Egyptian, Qatari, and Turkish mediators in Cairo and is seen as a move to give momentum to the next phase of the ceasefire negotiations5.
Despite this, Israel has stated that Hamas will be disarmed
as part of the US-sponsored peace plan for Gaza6. This comes after Khaled Meshaal, a leader from Hamas, suggested a weapons freeze but rejected the demand for disarmament put forward in US President Donald Trump's plan for Gaza7[14].
Implications and Reactions
Despite the ongoing conflict and violations, there are signs of hope for peace. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and German Finance Minister Merz have discussed the possibility of peace and the imminent start of Phase 28. Similarly, Hamas has expressed readiness for a comprehensive approach
in negotiations with Israel to avoid further escalation or continuation of hostilities9.
However, there are serious humanitarian concerns in the region. Israel is reportedly not allowing antibiotics, IV solutions, or surgical material to enter besieged Gaza despite the ceasefire10. This has severely impacted Gaza’s healthcare system and highlights the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict.
Conclusion
The situation in the Israel-Gaza conflict remains tense, with hopes for peace counterbalanced by ongoing ceasefire violations and humanitarian concerns. The forthcoming UK-hosted peacebuilding conference is viewed as a crucial step towards lasting peace in the region. However, the success of this conference and the overall peace process hinges on the resolution of contentious issues such as the disarmament of Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.