Hamas has officially responded to a ceasefire proposal drafted by Israel, the US, Qatar, and Egypt, aimed at halting the current war in Gaza. While the specifics of Hamas’s response and the proposal’s details remain undisclosed, initial reports suggest a demand for amendments concerning Gaza’s rebuilding and the treatment of the injured. The proposal initially included a six-week truce and an exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. The response is currently under review by Israel and the US, with international efforts focused on de-escalating the situation.
by Ali Hassan
In the latest development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, Hamas has submitted its response to a ceasefire proposal, as confirmed by various international stakeholders. The proposal, a collaborative effort by Israel, the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, aims to establish a new truce in the war-torn region of Gaza, though the specifics of the deal have yet to be made public.
The reported ceasefire framework initially included a six-week truce period, during which further exchanges of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners would take place. This proposal comes amidst a backdrop of escalating violence that has seen significant casualties on both sides, including the deaths of over 27,500 individuals in Gaza, according to the Gaza Strip’s health ministry, and the capture of around 250 individuals in a cross-border attack by Hamas.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, presently in the Middle East, is set to discuss Hamas’s response with Israeli officials, reflecting the international community’s heightened efforts to navigate a path to peace. Despite the lack of a detailed public reaction from the US, President Joe Biden’s remarks suggest that Hamas’s demands might pose a challenge to reaching an agreement, describing the response as “a little over the top.”
Hamas officials have expressed a “positive vision” towards the ceasefire but have requested amendments focusing on the immediate needs of Gaza’s reconstruction and the welfare of its people, including the treatment and repatriation of the injured. These demands highlight the deep humanitarian concerns at the heart of the negotiations.
The response from Hamas was reportedly delayed due to ambiguities in the proposal, underscoring the complexities involved in reaching a consensus. Meanwhile, the Qatari Prime Minister has termed Hamas’s reply as generally “positive,” indicating a possible foundation for further dialogue.
The ongoing conflict, triggered by a significant Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, has intensified regional tensions, with the international community, particularly the US, seeking to mitigate wider regional escalations. This sense of urgency is compounded by recent retaliatory measures in response to a drone strike in Jordan, illustrating the broader geopolitical stakes at play.
As negotiations continue, the fate of the remaining hostages and the broader peace process remains uncertain, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu facing domestic pressure to secure their release. The international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that can pave the way for lasting peace in the region.
(Associated Medias | FAD) – All rights reserved.