Hamas Expresses Optimism Over Gaza Peace Initiative Promising Permanent Ceasefire
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Synopsis
Hamas has voiced a positive outlook regarding any ceasefire proposal for Gaza that ensures a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces. The movement emphasizes the importance of alleviating Palestinian suffering and a significant prisoner exchange deal amid ongoing negotiations in Cairo.
Key Takeaways
- Hamas is optimistic about a ceasefire proposal.
- Proposal includes a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces.
- Aims to end the suffering of the Palestinian people.
- Prisoner exchange deal is crucial.
- Negotiations are ongoing in Cairo.
Gaza, April 13 (NationPress) Hamas has expressed optimism regarding any ceasefire proposal for Gaza that guarantees a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
In a recent statement, Hamas emphasized that such a proposal should also aim to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people and involve a substantial prisoner exchange deal, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
A Hamas delegation is currently in Cairo, having traveled there on Saturday upon Egypt's invitation. During their visit, they are anticipated to engage with mediators from Qatar and Egypt, part of ongoing endeavors to achieve a ceasefire and halt the Israeli assaults in Gaza.
Health authorities in Gaza reported that at least 1,563 Palestinians have lost their lives and 4,004 others have been injured since Israel intensified its strikes in the region on March 18.
Hamas reiterated in a press release that the release of Israeli hostages depends on a cessation of Israeli hostilities in the Gaza Strip.
The statement articulated, "The equation is clear: the release of hostages in exchange for a cessation of hostilities. The world accepts it, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects it," asserting that Netanyahu is prolonging the conflict and the agony of both Israeli captives and Palestinian civilians.
Two reliable Egyptian sources disclosed on Friday that Israeli and Egyptian authorities have been exchanging draft proposals related to a potential ceasefire and hostage release agreement.
As per the sources, both parties are striving to harmonize the differences between Egypt's proposal and a separate plan presented by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, aiming for a cohesive framework for agreement.
Egypt had suggested that between five and eight living hostages and several deceased individuals be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, along with the opening of the Rafah border crossing, humanitarian aid access into Gaza, and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the region.
This aspect of the number of released hostages and detainees has been a contentious issue in discussions with the Israeli side, the sources noted, adding that Egyptian and Qatari mediators had conveyed the Egyptian proposal to Hamas, which responded positively.
Earlier on Saturday, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that Israel would soon broaden its operations to cover most of the Gaza Strip, stating, "This is the last moment to eliminate Hamas, release all Israeli hostages, and conclude the war."
In the meantime, the Israel Defense Forces declared in a statement that they have fully encircled the city of Rafah in southern Gaza by completing the establishment of the Morag Corridor, a route designed to separate Rafah from Khan Younis.
Israel has prohibited the entry of all humanitarian aid into Gaza since March 2, ending a two-month ceasefire with Hamas on March 18, and resuming lethal air and ground assaults on the territory.
