Hamas reportedly canceled negotiations with Israel over a proposed hostage release plan, demanding that Israel first withdraw its troops from the Gaza Strip.
Qatar, which has been working as a mediator between the fighting groups, conveyed the suspension to Israel on Wednesday, sources familiar with the details said, according to i24 News.
Qatar highlighted Hamas’s demand for a “comprehensive agreement”, including the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip during the first phase of the agreement, while Israel has repeatedly attempted to negotiate one stage of the ceasefire at a time. .
Withdrawing all Israeli forces from Gaza would effectively end the war, which is now approaching its fourth month without the two sides reaching a long-term agreement.
Hamas reportedly canceled negotiations with Israel over a proposed hostage release plan. fake images
Despite the apparent rejection of Hamas’s offer, Israeli officials say there is still a chance for the two sides to negotiate a ceasefire, which unnamed officials told Reuters earlier this week was on the table.
Before Hamas’ demand to withdraw Israeli soldiers from Gaza, the two sides were in talks to allow the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners during a month-long ceasefire.
The cessation of hostilities would allow the release of more than 130 hostages still held in Gaza, as well as the release of Palestinian prisoners and additional aid to Gaza.
Qatar, which has been working as a mediator between the training groups, conveyed the suspension to Israel on Wednesday. AP
That deal followed what one source called “intensive” mediation talks led by Qatar, Washington and Egypt.
Hamas first proposed a pause of several months, one source said, although Israel disagreed and the deadline was reduced to about 30 days.
The two groups have been unable to agree on how much they want to negotiate at once, with Hamas refusing to move forward until the future conditions of a permanent ceasefire are determined, while Israel only wants to negotiate step by step. , several sources told the media.
Qatar highlighted Hamas’ demand for a “comprehensive agreement,” including the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip during the first phase of the agreement. fake images
Hamas hopes to reach a “comprehensive agreement” for a permanent ceasefire before agreeing to the release of any of the hostages, a Palestinian official involved in the mediation efforts said.
Israel and Hamas are in contact only through mediators.
Those involved in the mediation process said they were working to convince Hamas to agree to a month-long truce followed by a permanent ceasefire, an agreement that Hamas has rejected without guarantees that Israel will not restart the conflict.
A week-long truce took place in November, allowing the release of more than 100 hostages and some 240 Palestinian prisoners. Getty Images A Red Cross vehicle, as part of a convoy believed to be transporting hostages kidnapped by Hamas militants during the October 7 attack on Israel, arrives at the Rafah border, amid an exchange agreement hostages by prisoners between Hamas and Israel, in the southern Gaza Strip. ZUMAPRESS.com
Israel reportedly offered to end the war if Hamas expelled six senior officials from Gaza, although Hamas “absolutely” rejected the proposal, an anonymous Hamas official told Reuters.
The shocking attack in southern Israel killed about 1,200 people, while Israel’s response killed more than 25,000 Palestinians.
A week-long truce in November led to the release of more than 100 hostages and around 240 Palestinian prisoners.
Israel and Hamas began negotiating another cessation of fighting on December 28.
Although the two sides remain firm in their positions, one of the sources said a deal could be reached “at any time.”
With post cables
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Source: vtt.edu.vn