New ceasefire plan includes Hamas’s demands – DW – 04/28/2024

Hamas, the Islamic movement considered terrorist by the European Union, announced this Sunday (04/28/2024) that it will respond on Monday to the latest Israeli proposal to reach a ceasefire. Egyptian sources said that the talks between the Egyptian and Israeli delegations in Tel Aviv were “largely positive and successful” and included “a number of demands” from Hamas.

A Hamas delegation led by political bureau member Khalil al-Haya is expected to arrive in Cairo tomorrow to give its response to the mediators who mediate the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group. The Israeli government faces growing domestic and international pressure to reach an agreement to end the nearly seven-month-long conflict in Gaza.

An Egyptian source, requesting anonymity, said the new proposal “removes the obstacles that have hindered the ceasefire”, such as the exchange of prisoners and hostages, as well as the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip. The potential declaration of a ceasefire would “contribute to the approval of the first phase and the efforts of the entire international community to consolidate the said ceasefire and move towards a permanent ceasefire,” the informant said.

For the first time there has been talk of the end

Axios news portal, citing two senior Israeli officials, reported that the latest Israeli proposal included a willingness to discuss “the restoration of lasting peace” in Gaza following the release of the hostages. It is the first time in nearly seven months of war that Israeli leaders have suggested they are ready to discuss ending the fighting.

A Hamas source told AFP news agency that the group was “ready to discuss the new proposal in a positive manner.” The source said the group was keen to reach “an agreement that guarantees a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the return of displaced persons, an acceptable agreement for the exchange (of prisoners) and an end to the siege”.

DZC (EFE, AFP)