Tel Aviv: The US State Department announced on Monday that Hamas has rejected a proposal for a short-term ceasefire and hostage release deal. This decision suggests that the group remains firm on its key demand for a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, even following the death of its leader, Yahya Sinwar, last month.
Israeli negotiators have reportedly warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that a lack of flexibility in negotiations could result in an unattainable deal. The US readout from Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty revealed that Hamas declined to release any hostages to secure a ceasefire or humanitarian relief for the people of Gaza.
Egypt’s Proposal and Ongoing Negotiations
Egypt had proposed an initial 48-hour ceasefire, during which Hamas would prepare for the release of four Israeli hostages over ten days. However, Hamas’s rejection has led to ongoing discussions among mediators who continue to seek a potential agreement. A diplomat familiar with the situation noted that various options remain on the table, with a keen eye on the outcomes of the U.S. presidential elections to guide the response.
In addition, a Qatar-backed proposal for a short-term ceasefire, which involves the release of 11 to 14 hostages from Gaza in exchange for Palestinian security prisoners and a month-long truce, has yet to receive a response from Hamas.
Israeli Government’s Stance
Netanyahu recently stated he would not agree to end hostilities for the remaining 101 hostages, facing pressure from far-right coalition partners to maintain military action in Gaza. Despite Hamas’s refusal of the ceasefire proposal, discussions are reportedly ongoing, with a focus on brokering an agreement. Israeli negotiators cautioned Netanyahu that without concessions from Israel, the negotiations could remain at an impasse.
While Israel and the US have attributed the prolonged deadlock to Hamas’s unwillingness to engage in talks, Arab mediators from Qatar and Egypt have expressed skepticism about this narrative. They believe that the U.S. has minimized Netanyahu’s responsibility for the stalled negotiations, suggesting that a deal could have been achieved if new conditions had not been imposed by the Israeli government.
New Proposal for Hostage Release
Amid these challenges, Netanyahu is considering a new proposal aimed at securing the release of hostages. Reports indicate that he is willing to offer “several million dollars” for each hostage released and ensure “safe passage” for the captors and their families. This idea was initially proposed after Sinwar’s assassination, highlighting the complexity of negotiations surrounding the hostages.
Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s commitment to bringing all hostages home, emphasising that the safety of those who return would be guaranteed. However, families of the hostages have accused the prime minister of sabotaging opportunities for their release, further complicating the situation.
Ongoing Accusations and Implications
The accusations against Netanyahu have intensified following the arrest of Eli Feldstein, a spokesman for the prime minister, who is suspected of leaking sensitive information. Critics allege that the information released aligns with Netanyahu’s narrative that shifts blame onto Hamas for the stalled negotiations.
The Hostage Families Forum has demanded investigations into actions that may have undermined efforts to secure the release of hostages, arguing that such actions pose a severe risk to their safety. The forum represents the families of the 101 hostages still held in Gaza, expressing deep concern over the trust erosion between the government and its citizens.
Current Hostage Situation
It is believed that 97 of the 251 hostages abducted by Hamas on October 7 remain in Gaza, along with the bodies of at least 34 confirmed dead. Hamas previously released 105 civilians during a ceasefire last year, and a total of eight hostages were rescued by Israeli forces. The situation remains dire, with the families of the hostages urging the government to prioritize their safe return amidst ongoing military actions.
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