PALESTINIAN resistance movement Hamas says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has set new conditions, which he included in a proposal for a ceasefire and Gaza hostage exchange negotiated in Doha, Qatar.
“The new proposal meets Netanyahu’s requirements and is in line with his, especially his rejection of a permanent ceasefire, the complete withdrawal of forces from the Gaza Strip, and his insistence on continuing the occupation of the Netzarim Crossing (which separates the north and south of the Gaza Strip), the Rafah crossing, and the Philadelphia Corridor (in the south),” Hamas said in a statement, as reported by Anadolu, Monday (8/19).
Netanyahu also set new conditions in the hostage exchange file and withdrew other conditions, which hampered the completion of the deal. Following the latest round of talks in Doha, Hamas reiterated that Netanyahu is still placing obstacles in the way of reaching a deal.
“He (Netanyahu) is setting new conditions and demands to sabotage the mediators’ efforts and prolong the war,” Hamas added.
The movement reiterated its commitment to what was agreed on July 2, based on a proposal supported by US President Joe Biden and a UN Security Council resolution.
He called on the mediators to fulfill their responsibilities and force the occupation (Israel) to implement what has been agreed. Ceasefire talks in Doha ended on Friday after presenting a proposal that narrows the gap between Israel and Hamas consistent with the principles set out by Biden on May 31.
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Biden said in May that Israel was proposing a three-phase deal that would end hostilities in Gaza and secure the release of hostages held in the coastal enclave. The plan includes a ceasefire, a hostage-prisoner exchange and reconstruction of Gaza.
Israel has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians since a cross-border offensive on Oct. 7 that left 1,200 dead and about 250 hostages. Israel’s actions have sparked a humanitarian catastrophe and an ongoing trial for alleged genocide at the International Court of Justice.
For months, the US, Qatar and Egypt have been trying to reach a deal between Israel and Hamas to secure a hostage-prisoner exchange and a ceasefire, but to no avail. A week-long ceasefire and exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners ended on December 1. (I-2)
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