ALBAWABA - Resistance groups in Gaza have been cautiously optimistic about the chances of reaching a peace deal with Israel as informal talks led by Qatari and Egyptian agents gain momentum.
The balance on the ground seems to be changing after almost 21 months of terrible war and failed Israeli efforts to free its prisoners or wipe out the resistance.
Top leaders in the Palestinian groups say there is a growing belief that the present talks could lead to a breakthrough. These hopes came after the leaders of the resistance sent the negotiators a new plan that takes into account both political and field-based judgments. The new plan calls for Israel to pull all of its troops out of Gaza, for humanitarian aid to be allowed to enter freely, for the Rafah gate to be opened again for medical and humanitarian cases, and for strong promises from other countries to end the war and lift the blockade.
The opposition thinks that current informal talks can help them get Israel to agree to some of these requests. Leaders think this could be a turning point in the war, thanks in part to how tough things are on the ground and also to changes in politics and more pressure from other countries. They say that the resistance's toughness and willingness to fight back has helped change Israel's mind.
Reports from inside Israel show that the military is tired and that security officials are becoming more aware that keeping the war going is not likely to bring the prisoners back. The United States is also putting pressure on Israeli leaders to find a middle ground.
Still, leaders of the resistance are still suspicious of Israel's plans and warn that any deal must be more than just a short halt. They stress that for there to be a real end to the fighting, all attacks must stop and the blockage must be lifted. If not, they say, any short-term peace will end quickly as military and police pressure keep building.
