Hamas has announced that it has come to terms with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff on what it describes as a “general framework” for a ceasefire agreement, and is now waiting for a “final response” to move forward.
According to a statement released by Hamas, the arrangement they’ve agreed to includes a “permanent ceasefire,” a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, unrestricted humanitarian aid entering the region, and the establishment of a new governing body composed of independent Palestinian technocrats to take over administration of the territory, replacing Hamas after the deal is implemented.
The proposal also outlines the return of 10 Israeli hostages currently alive, as well as the bodies of several others who were killed, in return for a specific number of Palestinian prisoners to be released. The exchange is described as being “guaranteed by the mediators.”
As of now, 58 hostages are believed to remain captive inside Gaza.
Though Hamas is characterizing the agreement as significant progress, several critical details remain unresolved. Chief among them is how many Palestinian detainees will be freed as part of the deal.
At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu has made it clear that he is only prepared to consider a temporary pause in the fighting, not a lasting ceasefire. He has also emphasized Israel’s need to maintain the option of returning to combat operations in Gaza if necessary.
The terms previously presented to Israel by Witkoff did not include a demand for a total Israeli troop withdrawal.
Hamas is signaling its willingness to agree to an initial short-term truce, but insists that once that truce is underway, discussions must begin toward a permanent end to hostilities in Gaza.
In addition, Hamas is demanding firm commitments from the mediators that Israel will not walk away from future talks, as it did earlier this year when it pulled out of the January agreement and relaunched military actions in March.
Netanyahu has now indicated he is prepared to enter negotiations over a lasting ceasefire if an initial truce is reached. However, according to a senior Arab diplomat speaking to The Times of Israel, Israeli officials are rejecting Hamas’ insistence that Yerushalayim be obligated by outside parties to remain engaged in long-term negotiations.
{Matzav.com Israel}