Hamas has reportedly canceled negotiations with Israel over a proposed hostage release plan, demanding that Israel first withdraw its troops from the Gaza Strip.
Qatar, which has been working as a mediator between the sparring groups, conveyed the suspension to Israel on Wednesday, a source familiar with the details said, according to i24 News.
Qatar emphasized Hamas’s demand for a “package deal,” including the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip during the first phase of the deal, while Israel has repeatedly tried to negotiate a ceasefire one stage at a time.
Removing all Israeli troops from Gaza would effectively end the war, now approaching its fourth month without the two sides reaching a long-term agreement.
Hamas has reportedly canceled negotiations with Israel over a proposed hostage release plan. Getty Images
Despite the apparent rejection of Hamas’ bid, Israeli officials said there was still an opportunity for both sides to broker a ceasefire, which an unnamed official told Reuters earlier this week was on the table.
Prior to Hamas’ demands to withdraw Israeli troops from Gaza, the two sides were in talks to allow an exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners during the month-long ceasefire.
The cessation of hostilities will allow the release of more than 130 hostages still being held in Gaza, as well as the release of Palestinian prisoners and additional aid for Gaza.
Qatar, which has been working as a mediator between the sparring groups, communicated the suspension to Israel on Wednesday. AP
The arrangement follows what one source called “intensive” mediation talks led by Qatar, Washington and Egypt.
Hamas first proposed a break of several months, one source claimed, although Israel disagreed and the period was reduced to about 30 days.
The two groups have been unable to agree how much they want to negotiate at any one time, with Hamas refusing to move forward until the future terms of a permanent ceasefire are determined, while Israel only wants to negotiate one stage at a time. , several sources told the outlet.
Qatar reiterated Hamas’ demand for a “package deal,” including the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip during the first phase of the deal. Getty Images
Hamas hopes to secure a “package” deal for a permanent ceasefire before it agrees to release any hostages, said a Palestinian official involved in the mediation effort.
Israel and Hamas communicate only through intermediaries.
Those involved in the mediation process said they were trying to convince Hamas to accept a month-long ceasefire followed by a permanent ceasefire – a deal that Hamas has rejected without guarantees that Israel would not restart the conflict.
A week-long ceasefire took place in November, allowing the release of more than 100 hostages and about 240 Palestinian prisoners. Getty Images A Red Cross vehicle, as part of a convoy believed to be carrying hostages kidnapped by Hamas militants during the October 7 attack on Israel, arrives at the Rafah border, amid a hostage-to-prisoner exchange agreement between Hamas and Israel, in the southern Peninsula Gaza. ZUMAPRESS.com
Israel allegedly offered to end the war if Hamas removed six senior officials from Gaza, although Hamas “absolutely” rejected the proposal, an unidentified Hamas official told Reuters.
The surprise attack in southern Israel killed about 1,200 people, while the Israeli response killed more than 25,000 Palestinians.
A week-long ceasefire in November led to the release of more than 100 hostages and around 240 Palestinian prisoners.
Israel and Hamas began negotiating another ceasefire in the fighting on Dec. 28.
While both sides are holding firm to their positions, one of the sources said a deal could be reached “at any time.”
With Postal wire
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
