Hamas has presented a set of conditions in response to an Israel-backed ceasefire proposal.
The armed group’s demands include exchanging hostages for Palestinian prisoners, a full withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the rebuilding of Gaza in three 45-day truce phases.
The specifics of the Israel-backed proposal remain undisclosed.
In the first phase, Hamas proposes a 45-day pause with the exchange of hostages and withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of Gaza, initiating reconstruction.
The second phase involves the exchange of remaining male Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, and Israeli forces leaving Gaza entirely.
The third phase includes the exchange of remains and bodies. The deal aims to increase aid deliveries to Gaza, with negotiations concluding within the 135-day ceasefire.
US President Joe Biden described the proposal as “a little over the top,” and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken acknowledged the need for further work to achieve a permanent ceasefire.
The previous one-week truce in November resulted in the release of about 100 hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners.
Hamas demands a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, which Israel is likely to find unacceptable, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasizes “total victory.”
While Israel evaluates the proposal, the US and its Arab partners view the indirect talks as the “best path forward,” aiming for a sustained humanitarian pause leading to a ceasefire and a broader plan for post-war reconstruction.
Blinken sees this as a powerful path towards rebuilding Gaza, forming a reformed Palestinian Authority, establishing a Palestinian state, and normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
However, the Israeli military continues to focus on targeting Hamas brigades and leaders, and Netanyahu faces pressure from right-wing allies against making concessions.
Israeli families of hostages express growing anxiety, particularly with reports that a fifth of the remaining hostages in Gaza are dead.
The US and its Arab allies are concerned about broader regional risks, while international organizations highlight the deepening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
The situation remains complex, with various factors influencing the ongoing negotiations.
Source-BBC
