Israel Imposes Conditions for Next Stage of Gaza Ceasefire Agreement
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Synopsis
Israel calls for the demilitarization of Gaza and the end of Hamas' rule as conditions for advancing the ceasefire agreement initiated in January. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated that these demands must be met to proceed to the next phase of negotiations.
Key Takeaways
- Israel demands Gaza's demilitarization
- Hamas must exit power for further negotiations
- Humanitarian aid is being blocked to pressure Hamas
- Prisoner exchange is suggested as a solution
- Ceasefire agreement's first phase has expired
Jerusalem, March 4 (NationPress) Israel is insisting on the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip and the removal of Hamas from power as prerequisites to advance to the subsequent phase of the ceasefire agreement initiated in January, stated Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar on Tuesday.
“We do not have an accord on phase two,” Sa'ar mentioned during a press conference. “We insist on complete demilitarization of Gaza, (and) the exit of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, along with the return of our hostages.”
He noted that if Hamas conformed to these stipulations, “we could enact (the deal) tomorrow.”
Highlighting Israel's recent decision to block humanitarian aid to Gaza starting early Sunday, Sa'ar argued that Hamas was misusing the aid for its own agenda. He asserted that humanitarian assistance had become the “primary source of income” for Hamas and a means to enhance its military capabilities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that the blockade of aid is intended to coerce Hamas into endorsing a new proposition to lengthen the initial phase of the ceasefire and hostage return agreement, which he claimed was proposed by US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, according to Xinhua news agency.
In the meantime, senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi asserted in a press statement that Israel could only “recover its captives” through a prisoner swap.
“Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is mistaken if he believes he can accomplish his objectives via the starvation tactics enforced on the Gaza Strip,” Mardawi remarked on Sunday.
Mardawi reiterated Hamas's refusal to prolong the initial phase of the deal with Israel, emphasizing the necessity to execute all stages as originally agreed upon.
He also urged mediators to ensure Israel complied with the terms of the accord as agreed.
The first 42-day phase of the tripartite agreement between Hamas and Israel, which incorporated heightened humanitarian aid, concluded on Saturday. Under the terms, both parties were expected to negotiate a second phase in which Hamas would release numerous remaining hostages in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal and a definitive ceasefire.
However, on Friday, Israel proposed a new framework aimed at extending the initial phase for an additional 42 days, lasting until after the Muslim and Jewish holidays of Ramadan and Passover, which conclude on April 20. Hamas responded on Saturday by declaring the Israeli proposal “unacceptable.”
On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel has resolved “to prohibit any entry of goods and supplies into Gaza” to compel Hamas to accept the extension suggestion, which he said was introduced by US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff.
