Hamas Responds to ceasefire Proposal with Counter-Demands
Gaza City – Hamas has officially responded to the ceasefire proposal brokered by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, but the response includes demands that deviate substantially from the original terms.
HamasS Stance: A Permanent Ceasefire and Full Withdrawal
In a released statement, Hamas outlined its position, emphasizing its responsibility to the Palestinian people and their ongoing suffering. The group stated it submitted its response to mediators, aiming for:
- A permanent ceasefire.
- A full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
- ensuring the unimpeded flow of aid to the people of Gaza.
Following a round of national consultations, and out of our responsibility to our people and their suffering, Hamas today submitted to the mediators its response to the latest proposal by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, in a manner that will lead to a permanent ceasefire, a full withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and ensuring the flow of aid to our people in the Gaza Strip.
Hostage Exchange: A Key Component
The Hamas statement also detailed a proposed exchange involving Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. According to the statement, the agreement includes the release of ten living Israeli hostages held by the resistance, in addition to the return of eighteen bodies, in exchange for an agreed number of Palestinian prisoners.
As part of this agreement, ten live Israeli hostages, held by the resistance, will be released, in addition to the return of eighteen bodies, in exchange for an agreed number of Palestinian prisoners.
divergence from the Original Proposal
The initial proposal presented by Witkoff did not stipulate a complete withdrawal of Israeli Defense forces (IDF) from Gaza or a permanent cessation of hostilities. This indicates that Hamas’s response does not align directly with the original terms and introduces additional conditions.
Did You Know?
Ceasefire negotiations in conflict zones often involve multiple rounds of proposals and counter-proposals, reflecting the complex and often diverging interests of the involved parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What was the original U.S. ceasefire proposal?
The original proposal’s specific details have not been publicly disclosed in full, but it did not include a full IDF withdrawal or a permanent ceasefire.
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What are Hamas’s key demands?
Hamas is demanding a permanent ceasefire, a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and guaranteed aid flow to the region.
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What is the proposed hostage exchange?
Hamas proposes releasing ten living Israeli hostages and returning eighteen bodies in exchange for an agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners.
Pro tip
Understanding the historical context and the stated goals of all parties involved is crucial for interpreting developments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
