Hamas "Considering Israel Ceasefire Negotiation Proposal"

The Palestinian armed faction Hamas is reportedly reviewing an Israeli proposal related to ceasefire negotiations.

On the 27th (local time), according to major foreign media including AFP, Khalil al-Hayya, the second-in-command of the Gaza Strip and head of the Hamas negotiation team, said, "We have received the official response from the Zionists (Israel)," adding, "We are reviewing this proposal and will issue a position once the review is complete." Earlier, on the 13th, Hamas conveyed their opinions to the mediators Egypt and Qatar during negotiations.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Currently, in Rafah, a city at the southern end of the Gaza Strip, a ground battle between both sides is imminent. If fighting breaks out in the Rafah refugee camp, where 1.5 million displaced people are concentrated, there are concerns about large-scale civilian casualties. This is why the progress of the current negotiations is drawing attention.

On the 13th, Hamas rejected the Gaza Strip ceasefire proposal presented by Israel through mediators. Hamas stated that the Israeli military does not compromise on withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and discussions on a permanent ceasefire, maintaining their existing demands.

Furthermore, the conflict between Israel and Iran is seen as an obstacle to the ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

However, from midweek, movements to resume negotiations among Israel, the United States, and Egypt were detected. Egypt contacted Israel on the 24th and 26th to confirm Israel's position. Egypt's state-run TV channel Al Kahera News reported, "There has been noticeable progress in narrowing the differences between the Egyptian and Israeli delegations."

Israel reportedly informed Egypt that it currently believes 33 hostages?children, women, elderly, and injured?are alive in the Gaza Strip and is willing to consider negotiations involving a six-week ceasefire in exchange for their release.

Israeli local media, citing domestic officials, reported that the war cabinet discussed a new plan for a ceasefire and hostage release before the Egyptian delegation's visit.