Hamas Responds to Framework Proposal for Gaza Ceasefire
In a significant development, Hamas has responded to a framework proposal for a new ceasefire in Gaza. The details of the deal, which were put forth by Israel, the US, Qatar, and Egypt, have not been made public. However, it was previously reported that the proposal included a six-week truce, during which more Israeli hostages would be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners.
Both Israel and the US have confirmed that they are reviewing Hamas’s response. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is currently in the Middle East, stated that he would discuss Hamas’s response with Israeli officials on Wednesday. While Blinken did not reveal the US stance on the response, President Joe Biden described it as “a little over the top,” suggesting that the Israeli leadership may not easily agree to Hamas’s demands.
A senior Hamas official revealed to the BBC that the group had presented a “positive vision” in response to the framework but had requested certain amendments regarding the rebuilding of Gaza, the return of its residents to their homes, and provisions for those who had been displaced. Hamas also sought changes related to the treatment of the injured, including their repatriation and transfer to hospitals abroad.
The proposal was sent to Hamas approximately a week ago, but it took them until Tuesday to respond due to certain parts being “unclear and ambiguous,” according to a Hamas representative speaking to Reuters. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman al Thani has described Hamas’s response as “positive” overall.
The conflict in Gaza was triggered by an unprecedented cross-border attack by Hamas gunmen on southern Israel on October 7th, resulting in approximately 1,300 deaths and 250 hostages. Since then, over 27,500 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the health ministry in the region. Gaza has been governed by Hamas and blockaded by Israel and Egypt since 2007. Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization in several countries.
The timing of any new deal could be complicated by recent claims made by Israeli defense officials, stating that they are “making progress” in their hunt for Hamas’s leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces intense domestic pressure to secure the release of the remaining hostages. Additionally, a growing sense of regional crisis adds urgency to Blinken’s visit to Tel Aviv, as the US seeks progress on the deal. The US aims to reduce tensions further afield and views a ceasefire in Gaza as the most realistic way to achieve this goal.
On Tuesday, Israel confirmed that 31 of the 136 remaining hostages in Gaza had been killed. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), stated that the families of the victims had been informed, and the authorities would continue to push for the release of the remaining captives. The IDF considers this a moral, national, and international obligation.
The situation in Gaza remains tense, with hopes pinned on the response from Hamas and the potential for a new ceasefire agreement. As the world watches, the fate of the hostages and the future of the region hang in the balance.