Hamas announced on Tuesday that it has offered four ceasefire proposals to mediators, but claims that Israel is not serious about reaching an agreement, as reported by Al Arabiya. The Palestinian movement emphasized that the Israeli occupation lacks genuine intent to finalize any agreement and clarified that it is not seeking an alternative base to Qatar.
Two days ago, Hamas stated that Qatar had not requested its departure from Doha, countering what it describes as attempts to pressure the movement, according to Al Arabiya.
A source within Hamas mentioned that the group has not received any new proposals regarding prisoner exchanges. Earlier this month, Hamas conveyed its response to a proposal received last Monday through mediators in Egypt and Qatar.
Hamas reiterated its commitment to its demands and those of the Palestinian people for a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of the Israeli military, the return of displaced persons, and increased entry of aid.
The movement also expressed its readiness to engage in a serious and genuine prisoner exchange deal with Israel.
On the other hand, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that Hamas is the sole obstacle to the release of prisoners, not any factor on the Israeli side. Netanyahu’s office stated that Hamas demands an end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, both of which the government and military uniformly reject.
Netanyahu’s office also asserted that Hamas refuses any deal for the release of prisoners despite the broad mandate given to the Israeli negotiation team.
Earlier, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller acknowledged Israel’s significant progress in proposing a deal but blamed Hamas for obstructing an agreement that could lead to a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.
Miller stated during a press conference that the United States continues to seek an agreement allowing for at least a six-week ceasefire and further aid entry into Gaza, emphasizing Hamas’s rejection of the latest proposal, insisting that any new agreement must end the war in Gaza and include the withdrawal of all Israeli forces.
