Hamas has officially submitted its response to a proposed Gaza ceasefire to mediators, emphasizing the need for an Israeli commitment to a permanent ceasefire. The response, which was endorsed by the UN Security Council, calls for a six-week ceasefire that would eventually become permanent. Countries like Qatar and Egypt, alongside the US, have been mediating negotiations between Israel and Hamas and have confirmed the submission of the Palestinian group’s reply. The proposed plan, initiated by President Biden, requires an initial six-week ceasefire with Hamas releasing some hostages in exchange for Israel releasing an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners. The second phase would involve the release of remaining hostages and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza as part of a “permanent” ceasefire, subject to negotiations.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed his commitment to the ceasefire plan, awaiting the Hamas response. However, Netanyahu has not unequivocally supported the plan, facing opposition from far-right ultranationalist members of his cabinet who view it as a surrender to Hamas and have threatened to quit the coalition if the deal proceeds. It is crucial for Hamas to play a positive role in the peace talks by committing to the proposed ceasefire, as it could be a significant step towards achieving long-term peace and stability in the region. The world is closely watching the developments in this story, as it unfolds and more updates are expected. Stay tuned for further information on this critical issue.
