In response to an Israel-backed ceasefire proposal, Hamas has laid out a counteroffer that includes several demands. The armed group is calling for the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners and the rebuilding of Gaza. The proposal also includes a timeline for a phased truce and negotiations to end the war. However, the offer is unlikely to be acceptable to Israel’s prime minister, who has called for “total victory” in Gaza. The question now is whether a middle ground can be reached to move the process forward.
Hamas’s response comes as a counteroffer to a ceasefire proposal that has been backed by Israel and the US and mediated by Qatar and Egypt. Details of the original proposal have not been made public, but a draft of the Hamas document seen by Reuters reveals some of the group’s suggestions. The deal would involve an increase in deliveries of food and other aid to Gaza, and by the end of the 135-day truce, negotiations to end the war would have been concluded.
The counteroffer by Hamas has received a tepid response from US President Joe Biden, who described it as “a little over the top.” Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged that there is still “a lot of work to be done” to achieve a permanent ceasefire but emphasized the importance of reaching a lasting peace.
Previous truces have seen some progress, such as the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, the demands by Hamas for a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces are likely to be seen as entirely unacceptable by Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his goal of “total victory,” but Israeli officials recognize that achieving this objective is a long way off, and some even doubt its attainability.
While the counteroffer is being evaluated by Israel, senior Hamas officials have expressed their willingness to engage in the Israel-backed proposal with some amendments regarding the rebuilding of Gaza and the return of its residents to their homes. The US, as one of the main mediators, is still pushing for the process and believes it is the “best path forward.” Their goal is to establish a sustained humanitarian pause, leading to a ceasefire and eventually paving the way for the rebuilding of Gaza, a reformed Palestinian Authority, and a Palestinian state. Additionally, they hope for a normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
However, the Israeli military remains focused on targeting Hamas brigades and leaders, while Prime Minister Netanyahu faces pressure from right-wing allies who threaten to dismantle his government if he makes any concessions. Meanwhile, Israeli families of hostages are growing increasingly concerned about their loved ones, especially after learning that a significant number of hostages in Gaza have already lost their lives.
The international community, including the US and its Arab allies, is alarmed by the growing risks of a wider regional conflict. Additionally, humanitarian organizations are voicing their concerns about the escalating humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip. With many pressing issues at hand, it remains to be seen whether a middle ground can be found to bring an end to the conflict and initiate a path towards long-term peace and stability.
