The head of the political bureau of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) abroad, Ismail Haniyeh, said that the movement is “close to reaching an agreement on a truce” with Israel, which has been waging a war on the Gaza Strip for the 46th day, leaving more than 13,000 martyrs.
In a statement sent by one of his aides to Reuters, Haniyeh said, “The movement has delivered its response to the brothers in Qatar and the mediators, and we are close to reaching a truce agreement.”
Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani said on Sunday that an agreement on the exchange deal between Israel and Hamas had become “imminent.”
Earlier Monday, the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation revealed that Benjamin Netanyahu’s government had given the green light to an agreement with Hamas and that it was awaiting the movement’s response.
Roi Sharon, a military affairs analyst for the Kan channel, affiliated with the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, said, “We are now in critical hours. We are closer than ever to reaching a deal.”
He pointed out that during the past few days, Hamas conveyed a proposal to Israel, and in Israel they reached understandings about accepting the conditions and demands of the Hamas movement.
He explained, “The ball is now in Hamas’ court, and it must show responsibility and seriousness, and if it responds positively, we will be in a verifiable deal.”
He said that the deal includes a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip for a period of 5 days, indicating that Israel will then resume its military operations inside the Strip.
Contrasting visions
The War Council met at the Ministry of Defense headquarters with representatives of a number of families of detainees in the Gaza Strip, in the presence of Netanyahu and members of the Knesset. Representatives of the families confirmed after the meeting that there was a difference in the views of the members of the War Council.
They pointed out that Netanyahu and his Defense Minister Yoav Galant consider eliminating Hamas a goal as important as returning detainees.
On the other hand, opposition leader Benny Gantz and former Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot believe that this issue is important and of high priority in Israel.
US President Joe Biden said he believes that an agreement to release some of the prisoners held by Hamas in Gaza will be reached soon, without providing further details.
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2023-11-21 03:58:02
