Is Hamas Ready to Initiate a New Round of Gaza Peace Talks?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Hamas is ready to start indirect ceasefire talks.
- Efforts by Qatar and Egypt are ongoing.
- The aim is to address humanitarian needs in Gaza.
- Israeli military operations continue without pause.
- The negotiation proposal includes significant exchanges of hostages.
Gaza, June 2 (NationPress) Hamas has declared its willingness to commence indirect discussions regarding the Gaza ceasefire without delay.
In a statement released on Sunday, Hamas acknowledged the ongoing efforts made by Qatar and Egypt to facilitate a ceasefire agreement.
The group emphasized that it is prepared to "immediately initiate a series of indirect negotiations" to tackle the unresolved issues with "the opposing party."
According to Xinhua news agency, Hamas indicated that the primary goal of these discussions would be to put an end to the "humanitarian disaster" in Gaza, guarantee the flow of relief assistance to the Palestinian population, and establish a lasting ceasefire paired with the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip.
No immediate response has been provided by the Israeli side regarding the announcement from Hamas.
However, Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir has directed an escalation of ground operations into additional regions of both the southern and northern Gaza Strip, as per a statement from the Israel Defense Forces.
Zamir noted that this expansion of military activity will persist until conditions are met for the return of Israeli hostages and the definitive defeat of Hamas.
Earlier on Monday, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz cautioned Hamas to accept the Gaza ceasefire proposal put forth by U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, "or face destruction."
Witkoff's proposal entails the release of 10 living Israeli hostages and 18 deceased individuals in two stages in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, as well as the release of 1,236 Palestinian detainees and prisoners, along with the remains of 180 Palestinians, according to media reports by Xinhua.
Katz stated in a statement from his office that the Israeli military is continuing its operations in Gaza at full intensity, conducting air, land, and sea strikes on an unprecedented scale "for the utmost protection of our soldiers in preparation for the entry of maneuvering forces in each sector."