Hamas rejects new U.S. proposal for Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal
Hamas rejected a revised U.S. proposal on Sunday for a ceasefire in Gaza and a hostage deal, accusing Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu of moving the goalposts. The U.S. allegedly indulged him.
What it means: The White House claimed that significant progress was made in the Doha talks over the past few days. Biden’s goal to reach a deal by the end of this week is now almost impossible, as the new proposal that was presented on Friday has been rejected.
If the negotiations are stuck, an attack on Israel by Iran and Hezbollah is more likely.
Tehran and Hezbollah both vowed revenge on Israel for the assassinations of Israelis in Beirut, and Tehran. However, they have not opened fire yet.
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What they are saying: “After hearing from the mediators what happened at the last round in Doha, it was clear that Netanyahu continues to put obstacles in his way and sets new conditions in order to undermine the mediators and prolong the war.” Hamas stated.
Hamas claimed that the new U.S. offer “aligns” with Netanyahu’s requirements.
Zoom in: Hamas is more specific about its objections to the fact the proposal does not include a permanent truce or a comprehensive Israeli withdrawal from Gaza Strip.
The agreement would not permit the free movement from Gaza’s southern region to the northern part of the country because it supports Netanyahu’s call for control over the “Netzarim Corridor”.
According to the Hamas declaration, the proposal would give Israel control over the Rafah crossing and the Philadelphi Corridor on the Egypt-Gaza Border, as Netanyahu had demanded.
Hamas claimed that Netanyahu reversed his previous concessions in prisoner exchange and set new conditions.
Hamas stated that “all this prevents the completion” of the exchange agreement.
Zoom out: According to the Health Ministry of Hamas-run Gaza, the Palestinian death toll has surpassed 40,000.
Since October 7, 1,600 Israelis were killed and 115 hostages remain in Gaza.
Biden informed reporters that, after Hamas’s statement on Gaza hostages and ceasefire talks, the talks continue. “We will not give up.” Biden said, “It’s still possible.”