Hamas is considering in a “positive spirit” the proposed ceasefire through mediation in which Egypt is also participating, the head of the Palestinian movement Ismail Haniya told the head of the Egyptian intelligence services in a telephone conversation, according to a statement by Hamas.
Haniya told Abbas Kamel that Hamas negotiators would return “as soon as possible” to Egypt to complete ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire in the Gaza war.
The leader of Hamas had a similar telephone conversation with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, according to a statement from the Palestinian movement.
The Palestinian movement’s response to this truce proposal is awaited, casting doubt on a possible deal after nearly seven months between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The proposal calls for a ceasefire in Israeli military operations, which would be accompanied by the exchange of hostages kidnapped during the Palestinian movement’s October 7 attack on Israeli territory for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.
The Israeli government today accused Hamas of standing in the way of a deal by refusing to make concessions.
“The only thing preventing an agreement is Hamas. All Hamas is doing is hardening its terms and fortifying itself behind absurd demands,” explained Rachel Karamson, Israeli government spokesperson, during a press conference today.
The spokeswoman reiterated that Israel continues to prepare for a major attack on Rafah, a city located at the southern end of the Gaza Strip, despite international reactions, such as that of Washington, its ally. Nearly 1.5 million Palestinians – most of whom were forced there by the war – have crowded into the site, raising fears of an imminent massacre.
“The operation in Rafah is necessary to eliminate the terrorist threat. We are preparing for this, to enter (Rafa)”, he emphasized.
Hamas, which took power in the Gaza Strip in 2007, wants the deal to provide for a “permanent” ceasefire. Israel refuses, saying it wants to continue the offensive until “final victory” over the Islamist movement, which it considers a terrorist organization like the United States and the European Union.
On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israeli army would enter Rafah whether or not a truce deal was reached with Hamas.
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