Hamas' Response to Ceasefire Plan: Key Developments
Two senior Hamas officials have stated that the Palestinian Islamist movement has provided its official response to Egyptian and Qatari mediators regarding the ceasefire plan announced by U.S. President Joe Biden on May 31, which according to him was proposed by Israel. The officials, however, did not disclose whether Hamas accepted or rejected the plan.
"Hamas has officially transmitted its response to the Egyptian and Qatari mediators regarding the Israeli ceasefire proposal announced by the American president," a senior Hamas official told AFP, under the condition of anonymity. A second senior member confirmed that the response had been given. The pressure is now mounting on Hamas to provide a definitive stance.
On Monday, the UN Security Council approved, with 14 votes in favor and Russia abstaining, an American draft resolution supporting the ceasefire in Gaza in three phases. The resolution states that Israel has 'accepted' the plan and urges Hamas to do the same, calling for the immediate and unconditional implementation of its terms. While Hamas has indicated a favorable reception to certain elements of the resolution, it remains non-committal overall.
Blinken’s Diplomatic Efforts in the Middle East
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is on a new diplomatic tour in the Middle East, aiming to promote the ceasefire plan in Gaza. This marks his eighth visit to the region during the current conflict, which has lasted for months. His trip will start in Egypt and later take him to Israel. Blinken’s mission is focused on advancing President Biden's ceasefire proposal, which aims to halt the deadly war that has significantly impacted civilians and poses electoral challenges for Biden ahead of the upcoming presidential election.
During his diplomatic tour, Blinken will hold talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi regarding the reopening of the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza, which has been closed for a month. The closure has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, leading to increased prices of basic necessities and deepening fears of famine. After Egypt, Blinken plans to visit Jordan and Qatar before joining President Biden in Italy for a G7 summit.
- The three-phase ceasefire plan proposed by President Joe Biden is comprehensive and extends over approximately 120 days. The first phase consists of a six-week total ceasefire, accompanied by an Israeli withdrawal from densely populated areas of Gaza. This phase also includes the release of some Israeli hostages, specifically women, elderly, injured, or sick individuals, along with the return of deceased bodies to their families. In exchange, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners would be released.
- The second phase aims to end the war entirely, with the return of all Israeli hostages and a complete withdrawal of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) from Gaza. Lastly, the third phase is focused on rebuilding Gaza, with substantial support from the United States to ensure its successful reconstruction and stability.
