Hamas prepares its response to Israel’s Gaza truce proposal
Hamas is currently considering Israel’s 40-day Gaza truce proposal in exchange for the release of a significant number of hostages held since the militant group’s attacks on October 7, 2023. After recent talks in Cairo, a Hamas delegation returned to Qatar to discuss the proposal, with a response expected soon.
(Also read Leo Varadkar subjected to verbal abuse while having coffee in Dublin.)
White House asks Qatar and Egypt to put pressure on Hamas to accept Gaza truce proposal
According to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the terms of the truce are “extraordinarily generous,” and the White House has requested Qatar and Egypt to put more pressure on Hamas to accept the offer. A previous one-week truce in November 2023 led to the exchange of 80 Israeli hostages for 240 Palestinian prisoners.
Israel’s ongoing military campaign in the Gaza Strip has devastated the region and pushed its population to the brink of famine. In response, Hamas is reportedly seeking a permanent ceasefire that would allow for the return of displaced people and an end to the siege.
A two-state resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian problem is being worked on, which could lead to Israel and Saudi Arabia restoring their diplomatic ties. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains opposed to Palestinian statehood.
