Hamas Partially Signs Off on US-Proposed Gaza Ceasefire, Demands More Concessions
US truce proposal partially accepted by Hamas - Partial acceptance of US-proposed ceasefire by Hamas
In a surprising turn of events, the militant Islamist group Hamas partially accepted a ceasefire proposal orchestrated by US mediator Steve Witkoff. While agreeing to some aspects, Hamas declined others, emphasizing key demands for a more comprehensive resolution.
In a statement released via their Telegram channel, the faction has agreed to a hostage exchange plan where they'll release Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the freeing of Israeli hostages. This exchange will occur during a 60-day truce, suggesting the surrender of ten living hostages and the exhumation of the remains of 18 others.
Clashes over Remaining Plan Elements
According to Witkoff's original plan, both sides would negotiate the liberation of the remaining hostages during the 60-day ceasefire, promising an end to the ongoing strife. However, the deal lacks a definitive commitment to a final and permanent cessation of hostilities, a critical demand for Hamas. Hamas sources insist on explicit guarantees to deter potential future aggression.
Meanwhile, the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, firmly refuses a ceasefire leading to the release of all hostages and a complete cessation of hostilities, sparking accusations that the government seeks to continue the conflict indefinitely for domestic political reasons.
Gaza Crisis Escalates
Faced with the devastating losses sustained in the war and the impending humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Hamas' acceptance of the ceasefire, albeit partial, may be influenced by the dire situation in the densely populated area. Barring a full-scale resolution, Hamas has introduced several demands to modify the US plan.
These modifications include demanding a more extended timeline for the release of hostages, aiming for a broader Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, and ensuring the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid.
- Gaza
- Hamas
- Gaza Strip
- Steve Witkoff
- Ceasefire
- Islamic Resistance Movement
- Israel
- USA
Insights:
- Ultimate Goal: Hamas seeks a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, aiming for complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and unimpeded humanitarian aid [1].
- Negotiations: Intense negotiations continue between the involved parties, with Hamas making specific demands and proposing amendments to the US plan [1].
- Foreign Pressure: US mediator Steve Witkoff continues to play an essential role in coordinating the ceasefire plan and fostering negotiations between Hamas and Israel [2].
[1] Enrichment Data: Overall Insights[2] Enrichment Data: Source Information
The Commission is also proposing to extend the scope of the ceasefire negotiations to include discussions on the permanent cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip, particularly focusing on the withdrawal of Israeli forces and unrestricted humanitarian aid. Additionally, the Commission aims to broaden the discourse in the ongoing talks to encompass important issues such as war-and-conflicts, politics, and general-news, and their impact on the Gaza Crisis, especially regarding the role of Hamas, Israel, and the USA.
