Hamas’ Cease-fire Proposal in Gaza Negotiations

Hamas has recently adjusted its stance in the Gaza cease-fire negotiations, but a significant demand remains a sticking point, as reported by senior officials involved in the discussions. The development has somewhat dimmed hopes for an immediate agreement, despite positive outlooks from U.S. and Israeli officials following a breakthrough after a period of impasse.

During talks on Wednesday, Hamas put forward a revised proposal. According to the officials, one of the key requirements from Hamas is international guarantees that once an initial truce is in place, negotiations will persist until a final resolution is reached to end the conflict and release all remaining captives in Gaza.

Essentially, Hamas seeks assurance that it will not hand over hostages only to face a resumption of hostilities by Israel, as outlined by one of the officials on condition of anonymity due to confidentiality. However, Israeli negotiators promptly rebuffed this condition, asserting their stance on the ability to resume military action if deemed necessary. The Israeli side argues that without such flexibility, Hamas could prolong the process, effectively securing an implicit indefinite cease-fire.

At the core of the disagreement lies the fate of Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to dismantle Hamas and eliminate its control in the Palestinian territory. Conversely, Hamas aims to leverage a lasting cease-fire to maintain its governance in the region.