2024-03-26 00:59:47
The radical Islamic Palestinian group Hamas wants to stick to its original proposal for a ceasefire. The extremist organization announced this to international mediators in Cairo on Monday. Hamas continues to insist on a comprehensive withdrawal of all Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip and the return of displaced Palestinians to their hometowns. Hamas also called for a “real prisoner exchange.”
There is no statement yet from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. Hamas presented international mediators with a ceasefire proposal in mid-March, seen by Reuters, that called for the release of Israeli hostages in return for the release of Palestinian prisoners. The extremist organization had stated that it wanted to first exchange some sick and elderly Israeli hostages, as well as women and children, for 700 to 1,000 Palestinians. Hundreds of these Palestinians are currently serving life sentences in Israeli prisons. Netanyahu’s office had called this proposal “unrealistic.” Israel will continue its ground offensive until Hamas is eliminated.
On Monday, the UN Security Council called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza war and the release of all hostages held by the radical Islamic Hamas. In contrast to previous votes, the USA abstained and also waived a veto. The other 14 states voted in favor. The decision sparked an open dispute between the US and Israel.
According to a statement from his ministry, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken underlined in a meeting with Israeli Defense Minister Joav Gallant that there are alternatives to a ground invasion in Rafah that would better ensure both Israel’s security and the protection of Palestinian civilians.
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