KUALA LUMPUR: The extension of the Gaza ceasefire could be a pivotal moment that fosters dialogue and cooperation among regional actors, though it would still be difficult to find common ground
International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies Malaysia (IAIS) deputy chief executive officer Dr Ahmad Badri Abdullah said this was because all the actors have their own objectives and considerations.
He said Palestine was making use of the ceasefire to address immediate humanitarian needs, secure the release of prisoners, and achieve both political and humanitarian gains.
"Also, they are looking into garnering international support and sympathy for their cause," he said.
At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is taking the opportunity created by the ceasefire to "weaken" Hamas by isolating it and bolstering its rivals.
"Israelis view the extension as a means to get hostages released, mitigate tensions, and curtail the risk of the conflict escalating further by involving external actors such as Hezbollah and Iran.
"Also, (they are using it) to reduce international condemnation resulting from its humanitarian atrocities and safeguard its reputation and interests," he said while stressing that Israel was seeking to preserve regional and global alliances, particularly with the United States.
Badri said both parties are unlikely to achieve all the goals within the truce period, given the complexity and sensitivity of the issues and the mistrust and hostility between the parties.
"However, some progress could be made on the humanitarian front, such as allowing more aid and reconstruction materials into Gaza and improving the living conditions of the people there," he said.
Badri highlighted that it was crucial to recognise that international actors such as the US, the United Nations, the European Union, and Arab and Muslim nations also have regional strategic and economic interests.
He believed such international actors wanted a ceasefire not just for Gaza but also to shift the balance of power in the Middle East among countries like Iran, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the US.
"The ramifications of the ceasefire extension extend beyond the confines of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, exerting potential influence on diplomatic and political developments in other arenas, such as the ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran, the peace process between Israel and the Palestinians, and the complex situations in Syria and Iraq," he said.
He said, ultimately, the extended ceasefire can either bolster or erode the standing and credibility of the international community, with a particular emphasis on the UN.