Hamas has announced that it will not agree to any peace deal with Israel unless there is a “clear” commitment from Israel to a permanent ceasefire and a full withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. This statement was made by Osama Hamdan, a senior Hamas official, during a televised press conference on 04 June. Mediated by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt, the talks between Hamas and Israel are at a critical juncture. Qatar has urged Israel to present a unified and clear stance on the terms of the deal to ensure its success. Hamdan emphasized that Hamas seeks a comprehensive agreement that guarantees a lasting ceasefire, Israel’s complete withdrawal from Gaza, and a serious prisoner swap. He criticized Israel’s proposal, suggesting that Israel wants a one-sided deal where it can resume aggression after securing its hostages.
The proposal, presented by US President Joe Biden, outlines a three-phase plan:
1. First Phase: A six-week ceasefire where Israeli forces would withdraw from populated areas of Gaza. During this period, some hostages, including the elderly and women, would be released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, Hamas and Israel would negotiate the terms of a permanent ceasefire, contingent on Hamas meeting its commitments.
2. Second Phase: This phase includes the release of all remaining living hostages, including male soldiers, and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The permanent ceasefire would then officially commence.
3. Third Phase: The final phase involves a significant reconstruction plan for Gaza, which has suffered extensive damage due to eight months of conflict. This phase also includes the return of the remains of deceased hostages to their families.
Despite Hamas expressing a generally positive view of the proposal, Hamdan stressed the need for Israel to make a clear commitment to a permanent ceasefire and full withdrawal before any agreement can be reached. He urged mediators to secure a definitive position from Israel on these critical issues. The United States indicated that if Hamas accepts the proposed plan, it expects Israel to do the same. This expectation highlights the importance of mutual agreement and commitment for the success of the peace process.
Hamas’s demands underscore the group’s insistence on securing long-term peace and stability for Gaza. The proposed phases by President Biden aim to address immediate humanitarian needs, ensure security, and lay the groundwork for rebuilding Gaza, which has been heavily impacted by the ongoing conflict.
The success of these negotiations will depend on both sides’ willingness to commit to the outlined terms and the mediators’ ability to facilitate a clear and actionable agreement. The international community watches closely as these developments unfold, hoping for a resolution that brings lasting peace to the region.
