Hamas responds to US Gaza truce proposal with demands for key amendments
Key Amendments Proposed by Hamas
Hamas's response includes demands for a permanent ceasefire, a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the lifting of the blockade that has severely restricted the movement of people and goods. The group also calls for unrestricted humanitarian aid and the reconstruction of Gaza's infrastructure. Additionally, Hamas proposes a phased release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
U.S. and Israeli Reactions
The U.S. envoy, Steve Witkoff, labeled Hamas's amendments as "totally unacceptable," emphasizing that the original proposal already represented a significant compromise. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this sentiment, accusing Hamas of persistently rejecting ceasefire efforts.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The conflict has led to a dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, with over 2 million residents facing severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. The United Nations and various aid organizations have reported difficulties in delivering assistance due to ongoing hostilities and blockades. Recent reports indicate that desperate civilians have looted aid convoys, highlighting the urgency of the crisis.
International Mediation Efforts
Mediators from Qatar and Egypt have been working alongside the United States to bridge the gap between Hamas and Israel. Despite these efforts, significant obstacles remain, particularly concerning the sequence of hostage releases and the establishment of a permanent ceasefire. The international community continues to urge both parties to find a resolution to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the humanitarian disaster unfolding in Gaza.
Conclusion
The proposed amendments by Hamas to the U.S.-backed ceasefire plan have introduced new complexities to the already fraught negotiations. While the group's demands reflect longstanding grievances, the firm stances of both the United States and Israel suggest that reaching a consensus will require substantial diplomatic efforts. As the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates, the urgency for a peaceful resolution becomes ever more critical.
Hamas Responds to U.S. Gaza Truce Proposal with Key Amendments
In a pivotal development in the Gaza conflict, the Palestinian group Hamas has responded to a ceasefire proposal presented by the United States with a list of critical amendments. The proposal, initially backed by Washington and mediated by Qatar and Egypt, aimed at halting the months-long conflict.
between Israel and Hamas. However, Hamas’s reply highlights key demands that it considers non-negotiable for achieving a sustainable peace in the region.
Background of the Ceasefire Proposal
The latest U.S.-backed ceasefire initiative seeks a phased de-escalation of hostilities in Gaza, starting with a short-term truce and progressing toward a more comprehensive agreement. The proposed plan includes:
A temporary halt in fighting lasting several weeks.
The phased release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
The release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
Expanded humanitarian aid and access for international agencies.
Talks aimed at rebuilding Gaza’s infrastructure and establishing a more permanent peace framework.
Key Amendments Proposed by Hamas
According to senior Hamas officials and verified sources, the organization accepted the principle of a ceasefire but demanded substantial revisions to the proposal. These include:
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Permanent Ceasefire, Not Temporary Truce: Hamas insists that the ceasefire must not be limited to a temporary arrangement. Instead, it should represent a complete and permanent cessation of Israeli military operations in Gaza.
Total Israeli Withdrawal: One of the central demands is the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from the entire Gaza Strip, including key strategic areas like the Netzarim axis and Philadelphi Corridor, which Israel currently controls to prevent smuggling and tunnel activities.
Lifting of the Blockade: Hamas also demands an end to the years-long Israeli blockade on Gaza. The group asserts that the blockade has choked economic activity and restricted basic life necessities, including food, medicine, and fuel.
Unrestricted Humanitarian Access and Reconstruction: Hamas calls for a guarantee of unimpeded entry for international humanitarian aid and materials for rebuilding Gaza, including housing, hospitals, and utilities damaged in airstrikes.
Release of All Prisoners: The group wants the release of all Palestinian prisoners, particularly women, children, and political detainees, in exchange for hostages held in Gaza.
Reactions from the United States and Israel
The response from U.S. and Israeli officials was swift and stern. The Biden administration expressed disappointment with Hamas’s proposed amendments. A senior U.S. official stated that while some of the demands are understandable, others are deemed “unrealistic and non-starters.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the amendments, calling them an attempt by Hamas to delay progress. “Israel will not allow Hamas to rearm and regroup under the pretense of a truce. Our conditions remain the full release of all hostages and long-term security guarantees,” he said.
Mediation Efforts by Egypt and Qatar
Both Egypt and Qatar, acting as key mediators in the talks, have attempted to find a middle ground. According to regional diplomats, Egypt has proposed a modified version of the truce that might meet some of Hamas’s humanitarian concerns while addressing Israeli security demands.
Qatari officials are said to be pushing for confidence-building measures between the two sides, such as small-scale prisoner releases and temporary safe zones for humanitarian aid distribution.
Humanitarian Crisis Intensifies
While political discussions continue, the humanitarian situation on the ground in Gaza grows increasingly dire. With over 35,000 reported deaths and many more injured, the health care system is collapsing.
Infrastructure like hospitals, schools, and sanitation systems are either destroyed or severely damaged.
UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees) reports that nearly 80% of Gaza’s population is now internally displaced. Furthermore, looting of aid convoys and attacks on relief centers have become common, complicating the efforts of NGOs and international agencies.
https://www.haystack.tv/v/hamas-responds-gaza-truce-proposal-demands-key-amendments
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