Hamas's plan receives harsh criticism from U.S. envoy Witkoff, who labels it as utterly unacceptable.
The ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip are progressing with both parties engaging in indirect talks facilitated by mediators.
As reported, Hamas has indicated its readiness for new negotiations, aiming to establish a permanently ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces, and humanitarian relief. Despite initial disagreements, both sides have expressed a willingness to engage based on a proposed framework.
The US-led framework proposal includes a 60-day temporary ceasefire, initially suggested the return of ten living Israeli hostages and the remains of 18 during the initial ceasefire week. However, Hamas has responded with amendments that complicate the resumption of hostilities if ceasefire talks are not concluded within the 60-day period.
Hamas has offered to exchange ten living Israeli hostages for the release of 125 Palestinian prisoners, emphasizing the need for a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The US envoy, Steve Witkoff, has criticized Hamas' response as "unacceptable," suggesting they should accept the US framework as a foundation for negotiations. The US proposal stipulates the return of half of the living and deceased hostages during the initial period of the ceasefire.
Despite Israeli approval of the temporary ceasefire proposal, substantial challenges remain, including reaching a permanent ceasefire and addressing long-term issues in Gaza. The parties are expected to participate in proximity talks to address these outstanding issues, with mediators pushing for an inclusive agreement addressing immediate humanitarian needs and long-term peace.
Sources: ntv.de, lve/AFP
Relevant Enrichment Data:- Hamas hasdemanded a guarantee of a permanent ceasefire and a "complete withdrawal" of Israel from the Gaza Strip.- The Israeli government demands the expulsion of Hamas from the Gaza Strip and the disarmament of the Palestinian territory. Hamas finds these demands unacceptable.- As of now, 57 hostages are still being held by the Islamists, with 34 reportedly dead. The Gaza war began on October 7, 2023. Israel has been conducting extensive military operations in the Palestinian territory since then.
- The proposed community policy, as outlined by the US envoy, requires Hamas to accept a short-term ceasefire, followed by the return of half of the living and deceased hostages, while Hamas countered with an employment policy that suggests the exchange of ten living Israeli hostages for the release of 125 Palestinian prisoners, emphasizing the need for a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
- In the midst of war-and-conflicts and general-news headlines, the ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel, while significant in their own right, are part of a larger political landscape that includes long-term issues, such as the Israeli demand for the expulsion of Hamas from Gaza and disarmament of the Palestinian territory, which have not been accepted by Hamas.
