Hamas has vehemently denied reports suggesting the group has agreed to a prisoner-captive exchange and ceasefire in Gaza. Izzat al-Risheq, a member of Hamas’s political bureau, labeled the report as “fully fabricated” and stated that it does not reflect the group’s actual position. “We completely reject it,” he said in a statement, adding that the report aims to distract from “war crimes” and incite against Palestinian resistance.
Al-Risheq emphasized that Hamas’s conditions for any agreement are clear and public, dismissing “anonymous sources” as serving Israeli interests. The group’s demands for a ceasefire include a complete withdrawal of Israeli soldiers from Gaza and an end to Israel’s war, which has resulted in the deaths of over 56,000 Palestinians.
Senior Hamas leader Mahmoud Mardawi accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of “setting impossible conditions aimed at thwarting any exchange agreement and refusing to abide by what he previously agreed to.” This sentiment was echoed by Hamas, which stated that Netanyahu’s actions are a significant obstacle to reaching a ceasefire agreement.
In a statement, Hamas said, “We reject it completely and in its entirety. It aims to divert attention from war crimes and cheap incitement against Hamas and the Palestinian resistance, and to distort its established and declared positions.” The group’s stance remains firm, with its demands for a ceasefire centered around a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and an end to the war in Gaza.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about reaching a ceasefire agreement within a week. However, Hamas’s position remains unchanged, with the group insisting on its clear and public demands for a ceasefire. The situation in Gaza continues to be dire, with the conflict resulting in significant humanitarian concerns and loss of life.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has outlined a plan for Gaza after the war, which includes Israel maintaining security control indefinitely. Under this plan, Palestinians with no links to groups hostile to Israel would run the territory. This proposal differs significantly from the US-backed plan, which suggests the Palestinian Authority (PA) should govern Gaza after the war.
Key Details of Netanyahu’s Plan
- Security Control: Israel would maintain security control over Gaza indefinitely, ensuring that no hostile elements can threaten its security.
- Palestinian Governance: Palestinians with no links to hostile groups would be responsible for running the territory, but under Israeli security oversight.
- Demilitarization: Israel would be responsible for removing all military capabilities beyond what’s necessary for public order, effectively demilitarizing Gaza.
- International Aid: Netanyahu aims to close the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) and replace it with unspecified international aid organizations, potentially altering the way humanitarian aid is delivered to Gaza.
Reactions and Challenges
The US wants the PA to govern Gaza after the war, but Netanyahu has explicitly ruled out a post-war role for the internationally backed body. A spokesman for Mahmoud Abbas, the PA president, criticized Netanyahu’s plan, saying it is “doomed to fail” unless Israel ends its occupation of Palestinian land and recognizes an independent Palestinian state.
Netanyahu has vowed to control all of Gaza, prevent Hamas from looting aid, and resume aid deliveries after pressure from allies. The conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian concerns, with over 56,000 Palestinians killed and thousands more feared dead under the rubble. The situation remains dire, with the international community pressing for a resolution to the conflict.