The Palestinian movement Hamas has responded positively to the latest proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages, as announced by US President Joe Biden.
"Throughout the negotiations, Hamas has shown a positive attitude necessary to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable agreement based on the just demands of our people: ending the aggression, a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the return of displaced individuals, the reconstruction of infrastructure, and the exchange of prisoners. Recognizing its responsibility to the nation, Hamas has responded positively to the latest ceasefire and prisoner release proposal," the movement stated on its Telegram channel.
Hamas highlighted that the Israeli government has not shown a willingness to reach an agreement despite Hamas's favorable response to the latest proposal. "Hamas received the proposal from the mediators on May 5 and endorsed it the very next day, submitting its response, which the mediators and all parties found positive and encouraging, while [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu responded by attacking Rafah and escalating aggression throughout the Gaza Strip," the statement added.
The movement called on the US administration to pressure Israel to use Biden's proposal as the basis for a ceasefire agreement. The statement also emphasized that Israeli officials have not reported approval of the proposal, while US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has said that the Israeli side is satisfied with the parameters outlined in the draft agreement.
The Deal Under Discussion
On May 31, Biden announced the terms of a new draft agreement for a peace settlement in Gaza, consisting of three phases. The first phase, lasting six weeks, involves a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from populated areas, and the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinians from Israeli jails. During this period, the parties are to begin negotiations, maintaining the ceasefire until an understanding is reached. The second phase includes the release of all hostages, including military personnel. The third phase focuses on the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and the return of the remains of deceased Israelis to their loved ones.
On June 11, Hamas and Islamic Jihad announced that they had submitted a response to the initiative to mediators from Qatar and Egypt, expressing readiness for "positive action to reach an agreement to end the war in the enclave." The US, Egypt, and Qatar have acknowledged receiving comments on the ceasefire proposal and pledged to continue mediation efforts until an agreement is reached between the parties involved in the Gaza conflict.
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Photo: OneArmedMan/Public Domain
Based on TASS materials