Hamas has revised its Gaza cease-fire proposal, easing some conditions but holding firm on a key demand, two senior officials involved in the negotiations reported. This insistence has hindered immediate agreement prospects, despite growing optimism among U.S. and Israeli officials after weeks of deadlock.
Hamas introduced a counterproposal on Wednesday, seeking international guarantees that post-truce negotiations would continue until a permanent deal to end the war and release all Gaza hostages is reached. One official emphasized Hamas’s concern that hostages could be handed over, only for Israel to resume conflict. Both officials requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions.
Israel quickly dismissed this demand, aiming to retain the option to resume fighting to keep Hamas from stalling, according to one official. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aims to dismantle Hamas governance in Gaza, while Hamas hopes a permanent cease-fire will ensure its continuity. Israeli military leaders, however, increasingly favor a deal to retrieve the remaining 120 hostages, acknowledging it might leave Hamas in power temporarily.
The negotiations follow a three-stage framework proposed by President Biden in May and endorsed by the UN Security Council. Both sides have tentatively agreed on a six-week cease-fire and the exchange of most civilian hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Further negotiations would then focus on ending the war and releasing the remaining hostages, primarily soldiers.
Israeli negotiators face uncertainty over government backing for any agreement, with some coalition members rejecting a full cease-fire. Netanyahu has also been inconsistent in his public stance.
Recent talks in Qatar involved Israeli intelligence chief David Barnea, though without other senior security officials. Hamas has conceded to broaden the scope of phase-two negotiations but demands continued truce talks until a full cease-fire and hostages’ release is secured. Israel, concerned this demand extends the truce indefinitely, maintains it violates the existing framework endorsed by the UN and President Biden.
Original Story https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/06/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-cease-fire-proposal.html
Category : Hamas,Israel,Israel-Gaza War (2023- ),Kidnapping and Hostages,United States International Relations
Tags:
