Hamas "Waiting for Israel's Response to Ceasefire Proposal"

Protests Across Israel Demand Hostage Release and Government Resignation

Palestinian armed faction Hamas is reportedly waiting for Israel's response to a new ceasefire proposal, Reuters reported on the 7th (local time).

A Hamas official who requested anonymity said, "We have conveyed our response to the mediators and are now waiting to hear the occupier's (Israel's) reply."

Earlier, on the 4th, Hamas delivered a new ceasefire proposal to Israel through mediators Egypt and Qatar. Hamas reportedly dropped its previously insisted preemptive permanent ceasefire demand and proposed the release of remaining hostages, including soldiers and adult males, over 16 days.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Additionally, a senior Hamas source said Hamas proposed a first phase of permanent ceasefire negotiations lasting six weeks, along with guarantees from the mediators regarding the withdrawal of Israeli forces during the temporary ceasefire period. This proposal was a counteroffer to Israel's 'three-stage ceasefire plan' announced by U.S. President Joe Biden on May 27.

With Hamas dropping its preemptive permanent ceasefire demand for the first time, positive expectations arose in the U.S., Israel, and elsewhere that a significant breakthrough could be achieved. The specific schedule and location for the resumption of ceasefire negotiations have not been disclosed regarding Hamas's counterproposal.

Egyptian state media Al Kahira TV, citing senior sources, reported that Egypt will host negotiation teams from Israel and the U.S. and is also in contact with Hamas. A Palestinian official who requested anonymity said, "Israel is discussing with Qatar," adding, "Qatar has promised to provide Israel's response within a few days."

Regarding the ceasefire proposal put forward by Hamas, the U.S. daily The New York Times (NYT) reported on the 6th, citing two senior officials from the negotiating parties, that although Hamas has recently softened its stance, it continues to uphold its core demands.

These officials told NYT that Hamas wants 'international guarantees' to continue negotiations until a final agreement is reached on both a permanent ceasefire and the release of remaining hostages. They want mediators such as the U.S. to guarantee that Israel will not resume attacks during ongoing negotiations after handing over some hostages.

Furthermore, one official said Hamas does not want to release many hostages out of concern that Israel might resume attacks. The Israeli negotiation team reportedly immediately rejected Hamas's demands, according to NYT.

Meanwhile, on the 275th day marking nine months since the outbreak of the Gaza war, sporadic protests calling for the resolution of hostage release negotiations and the resignation of the Benjamin Netanyahu government took place across Israel.

The protest organizers, who designated the day as a 'Day of Chaos,' blocked major roads and light rail lines throughout Israel and staged sit-ins in front of prominent politicians' homes, clashing with police. Some protesters urged the chairman of Histadrut, Israel's largest labor union, to have the union join the anti-government protests in front of his residence.