Hamas presented mediators with its latest counter-offer for a weeks-long ceasefire, but this was rejected by Israel, which said it was based on "unrealistic demands".
Like earlier offers from both sides over the past two months of talks, the Hamas proposal, reviewed by Reuters, envisions the release of dozens of Israeli hostages in return for hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli jails.
But it also calls for talks during a second phase that would eventually lead to the end of the war. Israel has persistently said it will discuss only temporary pauses in the fighting and will not discuss ending the war until Hamas is eradicated.
Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official, told Reuters Israel's rejection showed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was "determined to pursue the aggression against our people and undermine all efforts exerted to reach a ceasefire agreement".
It was up to Washington to push its ally Israel to accept a ceasefire, he said.
U.S., Egyptian and Qatari mediators had hoped to reach a ceasefire in time for the Ramadan Muslim holy month, but that deadline passed this week. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, whose country hosted the main negotiations this month, said he was still working hard to reach a deal.
Mustafa Barghouti, the secretary-general of the Palestinian National Initiative, says the new Hamas proposal for a deal in Gaza is “much more flexible and forthcoming” compared with the previous ones.
“They made compromises about the number of prisoners to…
Read moreThis could all stop right now if Hamas laid down their weapons, for Hamas to say they will not repeat October 7th....it is for Hamas to release 200 people...let’s have 80% of this discussion about Hamas, a vehemently antisemitic and murderous group.
@AnnoyedHeronDemocrat3mos3MO
Well said and totally agree. ITS IN HAMAS HANDS …. SURRENDER NOW
@FabulousC4mpaignGreen3mos3MO
what you're seeing happening in Israel (and far worse, in Gaza) is a result of decades of your coddling & defense of successive Israeli administrations who have done everything possible to steal more Palestinian land and push more Palestinians out. Of course Bibi thinks he has total impunity to do whatever he wants.
@Fr33domRoyRepublican3mos3MO
Wait what? In 2005 Israel redrawed from Gaza. What are you talking about?
They got land and lots of money, no new country ever in history got a new start like the Gazans did? The chosen and still choose Hamas, they are 100% support Hamas and its actions.
The "Palestinians" were offered nearly half of Israel 6 times in order to have their own state, but they refused every time because they wanted it all.
Israel tore families out of their home in Gush Katif and gave it as a place for Palestinians, and what did they do with it? They turned it from fields, orchards, schools, beautiful homes... into the terrorist hotbed known as Gaza. They couldn't care less about having their own state. All that matters to them is getting rid of Jews.
Every drop of the land belongs to Israel and not even a millimeter should be given away.
@ISIDEWITH3mos3MO
What role should external countries play in brokering peace deals, and should they push for agreements even if one side feels the terms are unjust?
@9KWQWMG3mos3MO
External countries should be trying to negotiate or get the two other countries to negotiate with each other.
The role Israel Rejects New Hamas Peace and should have countries Play with the agreements with commuism
@ISIDEWITH3mos3MO
Is it right to prioritize one group’s safety over another's in negotiations, even if it means separating families?
I think that the negotiations in separating families because they should keep the family together not seprated i disagree on this.
@9KWNTK73mos3MO
Si es importante priorizar las seguridad pero no me agrada la idea de separar las familias
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