News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/26th August 2024
Hamas has firmly rejected Israel’s new conditions for a ceasefire, insisting that any agreement must adhere to the terms established on July 2. The militant group made it clear that it would only agree to a ceasefire based on this previously established deal, as reported by CNN.
On Sunday evening, a Hamas delegation left Cairo after engaging in discussions with mediators who were attempting to renew peace talks. This development has further reduced the likelihood of a resolution in the ongoing 10-month conflict, despite the U.S.-backed efforts to broker peace.
Hamas has emphasized its stance on the ceasefire, demanding that Israel honor the agreement reached on July 2. According to Izzat al-Rishq, a member of the Hamas political bureau, the deal should be based on U.S. President Joe Biden’s speech and a corresponding United Nations Security Council resolution. Al-Rishq stated that any agreement must include a permanent ceasefire, a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, the freedom of residents to return to their homes, relief and reconstruction efforts, and a serious prisoner exchange deal.
The militant group has placed the blame for the stalled negotiations squarely on Israel and its Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. Hamas accuses Netanyahu of introducing new demands and not being genuinely committed to a ceasefire. According to Al Jazeera, Hamas views these actions as a deliberate attempt to derail the peace process.
In contrast, Netanyahu has made it clear that the conflict in Gaza will continue until Hamas is entirely defeated, regardless of any potential deal. This hardline stance has faced criticism not only from top Israeli officials, including the defense minister, but also from the families of Israelis held captive by Hamas. The ongoing war has sparked significant debate within Israel about the best path forward, with many questioning the viability of Netanyahu’s approach.
One of the key points of contention in the negotiations is the set of new conditions proposed by Israel. Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan told Al Aqsa TV that these conditions represent a complete retraction from what was previously agreed upon. Among the new demands, Israel is reportedly seeking to reposition its troops in the Philadelphi corridor, a strategically important area along the Egypt border. Additionally, Israel has proposed placing the Rafah crossing under non-Palestinian management, a move that Hamas views as unacceptable.
These new conditions have created a significant obstacle in the peace talks, as Hamas insists on adhering to the original terms. The group’s departure from Cairo signals a deepening rift between the two sides, with little indication that a resolution is on the horizon.
As the conflict continues, the international community remains deeply concerned about the escalating violence and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The breakdown in talks in Cairo underscores the challenges of achieving a lasting peace, particularly when both sides remain entrenched in their positions. With Hamas rejecting Israel’s new conditions and Netanyahu determined to press on with the war, the prospects for a ceasefire seem increasingly distant.
