Hamas to Israel: Accept Our Terms on Our Timeline or Captives in Danger

Hamas chief Ismael Haniyeh confirmed that he received, via Egyptian intermediaries, a timeframe for Israel’s implementation of steps apparently agreed to as part of a potential broad, long-term truce. According to the terror boss, Gaza’s rulers are demanding the easing of restrictions on goods and humanitarian aid entering the blockaded enclave (notably, Israel already re-opened its two border crossings into Gaza and expanded the permitted finishing zone along the coast even as hostilities were ongoing). Hamas is also purportedly calling for more benefits for Palestinians jailed in Israel, including the ability to use smuggled cell phones, and the continued delivery of tens of millions of dollars of Qatari funds ostensibly earmarked for paying the salaries of civil employees as well as for fuel. Sources also claimed that construction on a desalination plant would begin shortly in order to alleviate Gaza’s severe water shortage. In return, Hamas reportedly would halt the year-long “March of Return” protests along the border fence; stop flying incendiary devices into the Jewish state; and cease launching rockets at Israeli cities. Meanwhile, the issue of a prisoner-swap is still being negotiated, as Hamas currently is holding the bodies of two Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza during the 2014 war as well as two Israeli civilians who previously entered the territory on their own accord. Hamas officials warned that Israelis “will see your sons [the hostages] only if you accept the terms of the resistance.”