Hamas accepts terms for proposed truce agreement
A 60-day ceasefire between Hamas and Israel has been proposed, with both sides expressing cautious optimism. The agreement, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, includes specific conditions and outstanding issues that need resolution.
**The Specific Conditions**
The ceasefire is set for an initial period of 60 days. During this time, Hamas has agreed to release ten living hostages and return the bodies of fifteen hostages held since the conflict began in October 2023. These releases will be staggered over the 60-day period. Unlike a previous ceasefire, Hamas has agreed not to hold ceremonies for the hostage releases during this period.
Negotiations about a permanent ceasefire are to take place during the 60 days, offering a window for further diplomatic progress. The ceasefire could be extended beyond the 60 days if both sides continue to negotiate in good faith.
**The Outstanding Issues**
One of the critical points in negotiations is the exact number of Palestinian prisoners to be released in exchange for hostages. This figure has not been finalized. Hamas also wants Israel to commit to moving to the second phase of the ceasefire after the initial 60 days.
Hamas objects to the condition that the ceasefire extension depends on "good faith" negotiations, fearing Israel might exploit this to resume hostilities, as happened in a previous cycle. Israel, led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, has not agreed to guarantee an outright end to the war, which Hamas has insisted on as a key demand.
Both sides must negotiate the detailed mechanisms for how the ceasefire and hostage releases will be implemented.
**The Response**
The deal has received a "positive response" from Hamas, which is prepared to enter immediate negotiations on implementation, but with reservations on critical terms such as the ceasefire extension conditions and prisoner exchanges. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions for the ceasefire under U.S. mediation, with hopes to end the conflict if Hamas accepts the deal.
High-ranking former Israeli military officers, including those from the Commanders for Israel's Security (CSI), have called for an end to the Gaza war before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's planned trip to Washington next week. The CSI, comprising over 550 former officers of the military, police, and intelligence services, argues that continuing the war endangers the lives of hostages, Israeli soldiers, and prolongs the suffering of the Palestinians.
**The Way Forward**
The sides should engage in negotiations during the limited time of the ceasefire to negotiate the details for a lasting ceasefire. The mediators have recently proposed a 60-day limited ceasefire in the Gaza conflict. The CSI believes that the Israeli military has long since fulfilled its mission of dismantling the Hamas government and destroying its military capabilities, and that Hamas no longer poses a strategic threat to Israel.
However, fundamental sticking points like the final cessation of hostilities and prisoner release terms still require resolution. There is a need for clarification about the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip and guarantees for moving to the second phase of the ceasefire. The Islamic Jihad, affiliated with Hamas, supports the talks on a ceasefire but also has demands, including guarantees that Israel will not resume hostilities once the hostages are released.
There is a need for unhindered access for humanitarian aid to the blockaded coastal region of Gaza. The ceasefire talks should negotiate the details for a lasting ceasefire during the limited time of the ceasefire.
[1] Source: The New York Times [2] Source: Al Jazeera [4] Source: The Washington Post
Other news outlets are discussing the politics surrounding the war-and-conflicts between Hamas and Israel, as both sides negotiate the implementation details of a proposed 60-day ceasefire. The general news also covers the outstanding issues, such as the exact number of Palestinian prisoners to be released in exchange for hostages, the cessation of hostilities, withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip, and guarantees for moving to the second phase of the ceasefire.
