Trump's representative, Witkoff, labels Hamas's plan as entirely unforgivable
Updated Article:
The proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, spearheaded by the U.S., encounters resistance as Hamas declines the terms, which Witkoff, Trump's Middle East envoy, has labeled as "unacceptable."
The radical Palestinian organization Hamas has responded unfavorably to the U.S. proposal for a temporary truce in the Gaza war, putting the negotiations for a permanent ceasefire at risk. According to Witkoff, such a stance implies a setback in the efforts to establish a ceasefire.
In a statement on the internet platform X, Witkoff expressed his disappointment over Hamas's reaction, stating that they should accept the U.S. proposal as the basis for immediate ceasefire negotiations. These talks could begin as early as next week.
The American envoy explained that the ceasefire agreement being proposed involves the release of 10 living Israeli hostages and the remains of 18 deceased hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. This, Witkoff suggests, is the only way to reach an agreement on a 60-day ceasefire, with half of the live hostages and half of the dead returned to their families. Furthermore, he explains that this could pave the way for "substantial negotiations in good faith" to achieve a permanent ceasefire.
However, Hamas has made a demand for a guarantee of a permanent ceasefire and Israel's complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, as reported by their sources. In contrast, the Israeli government insists on Hamas's expulsion from the Gaza Strip and the disarmament of the Palestinian territory, demands that Hamas perceives as unacceptable.
Israel has agreed to the U.S. proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip but initially faced critical feedback from Hamas. The Palestinian organization has since announced, as per U.S. demands, the plan to release 10 living hostages and 18 dead hostages as part of the planned ceasefire agreement, in return for Israeli prisoners.
Reportedly, 57 hostages are still being held by the Islamists, 34 of whom are believed to be dead. The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel, prompting Israel to engage in intensive military operations within the Palestinian territory.
Source: ntv.de, lve/AFP
Tags:
- Palestine
- Palestinians
- Hamas
- Israel
- Hostage-Takings
- Gaza
- The community and employment policies should include provisions for addressing the ongoing war-and-conflicts in the Gaza Strip, such as the release of hostages as part of a ceasefire agreement, to ensure a peaceful resolution.
- In addition to general news updates on the ongoing Gaza conflict, it is worth highlighting the roles politics and employment policies play in shaping the negotiations and potential outcomes of such war-and-conflicts situations, with negotiations involving the exchange of prisoners and hostages.
