Hamas Responds Positively to Ceasefire Framework, Demands Comprehensive Peace
Hamas on Tuesday officially responded to the ceasefire proposal formulated in Paris, maintaining its call for a permanent ceasefire, an end to the Israeli-Egyptian blockade, reconstruction of Gaza, and a prisoner exchange.
Despite Israel’s preference for shorter truces and phased hostage releases, Hamas’s statement expressed a commitment to a “comprehensive and complete ceasefire” and the lifting of Gaza’s blockade, alongside demands for relief and reconstruction efforts. Qatar and the United States have indicated a positive reception to Hamas’s stance, with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken set to discuss these developments with Israeli officials following his visits to Cairo and Doha.
The Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa Al Thani, has voiced optimism about the direction of negotiations after Hamas’s response, which also emphasizes the group’s demands for a complete ceasefire and a prisoner exchange. The response has sparked discussions among international mediators, highlighting the crucial roles of Egypt and Qatar in facilitating dialogue between Israel and Hamas.
