US Role in Gaza Ceasefire and Durable Peace: Ambassador Barbara Leaf

US Engagement for Durable Peace

• 🇺🇸 The durability of the calm and any resulting peace in Gaza is entirely dependent on constant US engagement.
• 💡 This engagement is crucial for transforming a fragile ceasefire into a lasting political process.

The Role of CMCC and Envoys

• 🤝 The establishment of the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC) is a key piece in the puzzle for ending the conflict.
• 🎯 US envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are essential for hands-on, personal engagement, extending President Trump's direct involvement.
• ⏳ The process of making Hamas disappear as a governing and military factor is acknowledged as slow and very difficult.

International Pressure on Hamas

• 🇹🇷 Turkey is a new and interesting player, applying political pressure on Hamas due to its significant role.
• 🇪🇬 Egypt contributes through proximity, while Qatar exerts financial and political pressure.
• 🔑 Hamas's leverage lies in its organized presence on the ground, necessitating countervailing political and military actors.

Qatar's Historical Role

• 🇶🇦 Qatar has historically played a critical intermediary role, hosting Hamas leadership and channeling funds.
• ✅ These roles were previously requested by US administrations and the Israeli government to manage Gaza.
• 💬 Qatar will remain a critical player in future negotiations and pressure tactics.

Fragility of the Ceasefire

• ⚠️ The current ceasefire is inherently fragile and will remain so until multiple pieces of the process align.
• 👮‍♂️ Achieving a durable peace requires the mustering of a Palestinian police force and an international stabilization force.
• ⏳ The US must maintain constant engagement through the CMCC and its envoys to foster this stability.