Hamas "Open to All Proposals for Permanent Ceasefire"

"Responding to New Proposal for Ceasefire and Prisoner Exchange by Establishing Arbitration Committee"

The Palestinian armed faction Hamas has expressed openness to all proposals for a permanent ceasefire with Israel in the Gaza Strip, Xinhua News Agency reported on the 29th (local time).

Sami Abu Zuri, a senior Hamas official, stated in a TV speech that day, "We are open to any agreement or idea that can end the suffering of the people in the Gaza Strip and achieve a permanent ceasefire." He added, "Any agreement or idea must include the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the entire Gaza Strip, lifting the blockade, providing humanitarian aid, and negotiations for the exchange of hostages (Israeli) and prisoners (Palestinian)."

He also said, "We have responded to the mediators' requests to discuss new proposals regarding the ceasefire and prisoner exchange," adding, "Several meetings have already been held on this matter, and additional meetings will continue."

One of the mediators, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, proposed a two-day ceasefire on the 27th to facilitate the release of four hostages held in the Gaza Strip and several detainees imprisoned in Israel. On the same day, the heads of intelligence agencies from the United States, Israel, and Qatar continued discussions on longer-term ceasefire negotiations in Doha, Qatar. According to the online media Axios, CIA Director Bill Burns proposed a four-week ceasefire plan during the Doha meeting.

The United States, Qatar, and Egypt have been making mediation efforts to resume the ceasefire after a temporary truce reached in November last year ended within a week. However, related discussions were effectively halted when Yahya Sinwar, known for his hardline stance, succeeded Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas leader who was assassinated in July. Since Sinwar was killed by Israeli forces on the 16th, mediators have reestablished contact, creating an atmosphere for renewed ceasefire talks.