A senior Hamas official has condemned Israel's approach to ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire, accusing the nation of desiring indefinite talks rather than working towards a permanent resolution. During a press conference held in Beirut, Osama Hamdane emphasized that the Palestinian movement will not accept any agreement that does not ensure a lasting ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
The negotiations, driven by Qatar alongside the United States and Egypt, aimed to secure a ceasefire agreement following the catastrophic war that began on October 7. However, these talks were abruptly halted in early May when Israel initiated ground operations in Rafah, a move widely condemned by the international community due to concerns over civilian safety.
According to Hamdane, Israel's lack of acceptance of a proposed agreement, which had already garnered approval from the Palestinian side on May 6, demonstrates its intention to prolong the conflict. Qatar's government echoed these concerns, stating that it is waiting for a 'clear position' from Israel regarding the ceasefire plan put forward by U.S. President Joe Biden.
The proposed three-phase ceasefire plan championed by Biden includes an initial six-week period of temporary cessation of hostilities, accompanied by the exchange of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners for vulnerable Israeli hostages detained since the start of the conflict. Additionally, the plan calls for a significant increase in humanitarian aid, allowing Palestinian refugees to return to their homes.
Following this initial phase, negotiators would focus on terminating the conflict definitively and overseeing Israel's full withdrawal from Gaza. The final phase would usher in the reconstruction of Gaza's devastated infrastructure. Despite international pressure, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed reservations, insisting that hostilities cannot end until Hamas is eradicated.
While Netanyahu's international policy advisor recently affirmed Israel's acceptance of the proposal, he highlighted numerous unsettled details and the substantial reservation about Hamas maintaining governance over Gaza. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also reiterated that his government is exploring alternatives to Hamas's leadership in Gaza.
President Biden asserts that Hamas no longer possesses the capability to execute attacks like those on October 7 due to the significant losses it has suffered. However, White House Spokesman John Kirby clarified that Hamas still represents a viable threat, albeit with diminished military capacity.
The call for a clear position from Israel is reinforced by the joint appeal from Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, along with his counterparts in Egypt and Qatar, urging both Israel and Hamas to agree to the ceasefire terms. The proposed agreement aims to relieve the suffering of both the people of Gaza and the Israeli hostages, paving the way for a permanent ceasefire and the end of the ongoing crisis.
- Furthermore, senior Hamas officials have positively acknowledged the ceasefire proposal, despite awaiting an official response. The plan's humanitarian approach, particularly the significant increase in aid and return of refugees, is seen as a key component in alleviating the plight of civilians in Gaza.
- Israel's evidenced reluctance highlights the complexities in reaching a consensus. Netanyahu's caution is partly fueled by the political landscape within Israel, as he aims to maintain control amidst external and domestic pressures.
- The ongoing dialogue between the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar underscores the international community's commitment to mediate a resolution. They stress that the proposed principles cater to the demands of all involved parties and provide a structured pathway towards peace.
