Hamas expresses positive sentiment towards the proposition of a fresh truce
The latest ceasefire proposal for the Gaza Strip, initiated by mediators, aims to bring an end to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The proposal includes several key terms and conditions, as well as outstanding issues and demands from both parties.
The proposal includes a 60-day temporary ceasefire, which can be extended if negotiations are conducted in good faith. However, Hamas seeks clearer language, wanting the talks on a permanent ceasefire to continue until an agreement is reached without conditional extensions.
Hamas has agreed to release 10 living hostages and return 15 bodies of hostages held by the group over the 60-day period. The releases will be staggered, and unlike previous ceasefires, Hamas will not hold ceremonies for the releases.
A significant point of contention is the discussion and potential agreement on a permanent ceasefire. Hamas seeks a guaranteed end to fighting, while Israel has not agreed to this condition. Another unresolved issue is the number of Palestinian prisoners Israel will release in exchange for hostages. Hamas has consistently sought a substantial prisoner release as part of any agreement.
Hamas also demands humanitarian assistance by the United Nations and for Israel to retreat to its pre-March 2 positions in the Gaza Strip. The Islamic Jihad, affiliated with Hamas, has additional demands for guarantees that Israel will not resume hostilities once hostages are released.
Israel, on the other hand, has expressed a desire to dismantle Hamas following the October 7 attacks, a stance that has limited negotiations. Israel is cautious about committing to unconditional negotiations for a permanent ceasefire, fearing Hamas might prolong talks indefinitely.
High-ranking former Israeli military officers have called for an end to the Gaza war, urging US President Trump to convince Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cease hostilities. The Islamists demand an agreement that effectively ends the war, while Israel wants a deal that allows for further military action if necessary.
The new proposal by mediators includes the release of at least 10 hostages and the handover of the bodies of 18 abductees in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons. Details about conditions or reservations from Hamas have not been provided.
The statement from Hamas mentions a need for clarification regarding the continuation of the ceasefire after the initially 60-day truce. The statement also mentions a need for unhindered access for humanitarian aid to the blockaded coastal region.
According to US President Donald Trump, Israel has already agreed to the "necessary conditions" for the conclusion of the ceasefire. The Islamic Jihad, affiliated with Hamas, supports the talks on a ceasefire but has demands.
Hamas is ready to immediately enter indirect negotiations to implement the proposal. During the limited time of the ceasefire, the sides are expected to negotiate the details for a permanent ceasefire. The statement from Hamas also mentions a need for clarification about the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip.
The Gaza war is a point of concern for the Commanders for Israel's Security (CSI) before the planned trip of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington next week. The CSI, consisting of over 550 former military, police, and intelligence officers, asserts that Hamas no longer poses a strategic threat to Israel. However, they claim that a continuation of the Gaza war endangers the lives of hostages, Israeli soldiers, and prolongs the suffering of the Palestinians.
- The news regarding the proposed ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which covers war-and-conflicts, politics, and general-news, includes Hamas's demand for clearer language about the continuation of the ceasefire after the initially 60-day truce.
- In the ongoing discussions about the Gaza ceasefire, Hamas, during the limited time of the ceasefire, is expected to negotiate the details for a permanent ceasefire, which falls under politics and general-news, while also seeking unhindered access for humanitarian aid, a point related to war-and-conflicts.
