Hamas Dismisses Ceasefire Progress Claims as ‘Illusions’
Hamas has dismissed claims of progress towards an Israel-Gaza ceasefire as deceptive, following US President Joe Biden’s remarks of increased optimism.
After two days of US-supported negotiations in Qatar, President Biden expressed on Friday that “we are closer than we have ever been.”
Nonetheless, a senior Hamas official told the BBC that no advancement had been made and that the mediators were “selling illusions.”
Israel expressed appreciation for the US and mediator’s efforts to persuade Hamas to agree to a hostage release deal.
The Israeli military initiated a campaign in Gaza aimed at dismantling Hamas after an unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in around 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages.
Since then, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry has reported over 40,000 fatalities.
In November, a ceasefire agreement led to Hamas freeing 105 hostages in exchange for a week-long truce and the release of approximately 240 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. Israel claims 111 hostages are still held, with 39 presumed deceased.
A recent joint statement from the US, Qatar, and Egypt revealed a proposal for a ceasefire and hostage release deal that aims to “narrow the gaps” between Israel and Hamas.
Israel insists that any ceasefire would necessitate the release of the remaining hostages, some of whom have already been freed while others are believed to have died in Gaza.
Families of hostages still in Gaza view the current negotiations as the “last chance” for saving some of them.
Amid 10 months of conflict and numerous casualties, there is intense pressure for a resolution.
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The possibility of a broader regional conflict looms if talks between Israel and Hamas fail, a scenario that all involved parties are concerned about.
Mediators described the recent ceasefire discussions as “serious, constructive, and conducted in a positive atmosphere.”
Technical teams are expected to continue refining the details of the proposed terms before senior officials reconvene in Cairo, aiming to finalize the agreement outlined in Doha.
Despite the mediators’ optimistic statement, significant challenges remain before a ceasefire can be secured.
This is not the first instance of President Biden expressing belief in a near deal, and not everyone shares his cautious optimism.
Both Hamas and the Israeli government have not been as hopeful in their responses.
Israel maintains that its stance and core principles are “well-known” and accuses Hamas of obstructing a deal for hostage release.
Israelis are primarily focused on the release of the remaining hostages, though skepticism exists about whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s main objective is not a “total victory” over Hamas.
Hamas’s new leader, Yaya Sinwar, shows little sign of compromise.
In response to President Biden’s statement, a senior Hamas official told the BBC that the mediators’ offer was “very disappointing” with no progress made.
Hamas is believed to have shifted from demanding a permanent ceasefire to accepting Biden’s proposal for a six-week pause to broker peace.
Biden’s ceasefire proposal includes withdrawing Israeli forces from Gaza’s populated areas, the phased release of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, and returning the remains of deceased hostages.
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The “bridging proposal” from US, Egyptian, and Qatari negotiators will guide US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s discussions in the region and should form the basis for the next talks in Cairo, with all parties, including Hamas, expected to participate.
This proposal reportedly “closes the remaining gaps” between the sides, potentially allowing for “a rapid implementation of the agreement.”
Although this may seem straightforward, significant obstacles remain, and mutual trust between Israeli and Hamas leaders is lacking.
They are being pressured to negotiate by those concerned about the potential consequences of failure.
Hamas and its allies suspect that the US administration is trying to buy more time.
An Iranian attack on Israel could be perceived as a result of Hamas undermining the negotiations.
Hamas openly desires an Iranian and Hezbollah attack on Israel to escalate into a regional war, believing this would weaken Netanyahu and force him to accept a deal.
President Biden cautioned against any actions that could undermine the process.
In the meantime, Israel’s military operation in Gaza continues, with an airstrike early Saturday killing 15 people in al-Zawaida, central Gaza, according to the Palestinian Civil Defense Authority.
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Mahmud Bassal of the rescue service reported that among the dead were nine children and three women.
Israel has not directly commented, but the IDF stated it had “eliminated several terrorists” in central Gaza, including one who had attacked Israeli forces.
The Israeli military has issued new evacuation orders for several northern Khan Younis and Deir Balah blocks, reducing the humanitarian zone for displaced Palestinians.
Israel claims these blocks have become dangerous due to “significant acts of terrorism” and rocket and mortar fire towards Israel.
The UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) stated that fear is spreading as families have nowhere to go.
The urgency for a ceasefire is underscored by the circulation of the polio virus within the Israeli-designated humanitarian zone in Gaza.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that “the ultimate vaccine for polio is peace and an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.”
Hamas Dismisses Ceasefire Progress Claims as ‘Illusions’
