As Israel targets the civilian population of Gaza trying to receive humanitarian aid to stay alive, Hamas states its own terms for a ceasefire.
During a meeting with mediators, the Palestinian Hamas movement presented its vision for a future ceasefire agreement with Israel, Hamas spokesman Izzat al-Risk wrote on his Telegram channel. At the same time, Axios publishes its own information stating that it was given to Egyptian and Qatari mediators by Hamas.
“Today, the movement presented to the mediators its vision for a future agreement based on the following principles: ending the attack on our people in Gaza, delivering humanitarian aid there, returning the displaced to their areas and withdrawing the Israeli army from the enclave,” Hamas said.
The spokesman added that “the movement considers these conditions vital to reach an agreement.” For now, the killing of children in Gaza has exceeded all the world conflicts of recent years, combined.
A Palestinian worker stands next to blood-stained aid boxes at an UNRWA aid distribution center after a deadly Israeli strike, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip March 13, 2024.
Where the information directly from Hamas and that from Axios coincide
The return of Palestinian civilians to northern Gaza is a top priority for Hamas in the negotiations and one of the main sticking points in the talks, according to sources with direct knowledge.
Hamas said in a statement that it had given Egyptian and Qatari mediators a comprehensive proposal for a hostage deal that includes a ceasefire, the release of prisoners, the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave.
A senior Israeli official said Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani spoke Thursday with the director of the Mossad spy agency and sent him Hamas' response. So far Hamas' positions appear to be the same, so any changes are most likely to be related to matters of procedure and numbers of prisoners to be exchanged.
The war in Gaza does not stop and the powerful countries of the West do not put pressure on Israel in this direction.
What the sources from Israel say
< p>A senior Israeli official said Hamas' response was relatively positive and included for the first time the number of prisoners Hamas is demanding to be released for each of the categories of hostages to be released in the first phase of the deal. He added that the number of prisoners Hamas is demanding is still very high, but at a point where more serious negotiations can begin.
“There is something we can work with,” the Israeli official said. Israel has received indications in recent days from Qatari and Egyptian mediators that suggest changes in the positions of the Hamas leadership that may lead to progress. According to reports there has been clear pressure from Qatar on Hamas in this direction.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that Qatar and Egypt have significantly increased their pressure on Hamas, including threats of Qatar to expel senior Hamas officials from Doha and freeze Hamas bank accounts in Qatar.
The war cabinet is expected to meet on Friday to discuss Hamas' response and decide on next steps . In any case, Israel's new war budget passed the Knesset.
