Title: Hamas Holds Out on US Hostage Release, US Firm on Immediate Action
U.S. authorities turn down Hamas's proposed agreement
Craving for a turn of events? Don't count on it from the Hamas terrorist organization. No headway has been made in Washington regarding their proposal to release a US-Israeli hostage, according to Trump's Middle East envoy, Witkoff.
The US government, in no uncertain terms, demands an immediate release of multiple hostages held captive in the Gaza Strip by the Islamic Hamas. Snubbing an offer from Hamas to hand over the last American-Israeli prisoner in exchange for Israeli concessions, the US has issued a stern warning, stating either immediate release or "pay a heavy price." Reports from the National Security Council and Witkoff's office echo this firm stance.
Siddling up to the negotiating table, Hamas has only offered to trade the single American-Israeli hostage, along with the bodies of four dual-national hostages, yet to specify nationalities of the remaining prisoners. Hamas insists on discussions for the second phase of their original agreement, which includes conditions such as a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and a lasting end to hostilities, as well as the release of the remaining captives.
Israel remains at the ready to reignite the conflict while simultaneously keeping the option open for a ceasefire extension proposal presented by Witkoff. Hamas, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, is still engaging in "psychological warfare against the hostage families".
A recent statement from Witkoff's office and the National Security Council comments on Hamas's "flexible" public stance but privately unattainable demands, expressing concern that Hamas is counting on "time being on their side." If deadlines are missed, the US threatens to take appropriate action.
In the ever-evolving landscape of negotiations with Hamas, mediators from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar have temporarily stalled, with talks set to resume in Cairo, Egypt. Israeli intelligence reports 24 live hostages and 35 bodies still in the hands of Islamic groups in the Gaza Strip.
Tidbits
- Middle East Update:mediators have failed to bridge the gap between Israel and Hamas in talks in Doha, capital of Qatar.
- Participants: Hamas's negotiating team is en route to Cairo, Egypt.
- On-going Hostility: Islamic groups in the Gaza Strip still hold 24 live hostages and 35 corpses, according to Israeli intelligence.
The Commission, in light of the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East, has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionising radiation. The Qatari mediators, who have been crucial in previous negotiations, are expected to resume talks in Cairo, Egypt, following a temporary halt. Meanwhile, amidst the inactivity in the negotiations, the US has reiterated its firm stance, promising to take appropriate action if deadlines are missed.
