Hamas presented its own proposal for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip to mediators and the United States in mid-March.
The Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas says it has informed mediators that the organization intends to stick to its original proposal for a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza. This includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and the return of displaced Palestinians to the area.
In addition, Hamas called for a “real prisoner exchange” in its statement on Monday, by which the organization refers to the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons in exchange for the exchange of hostages held by Hamas.
Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu the office has not yet commented on Hamas’s latest demands, reports the Reuters news agency.
Hamas presented its own proposal for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip to mediators and the United States in mid-March. The proposal, seen by Reuters, included the release of Israeli hostages if Israel in turn released Palestinian prisoners from its prisons, including 100 lifers.
Egypt and Qatar have tried to narrow the differences of opinion between Israel and Hamas over what the ceasefire proposal should include.
According to the proposal, Hamas promises that the first hostages to be released would include women, children, the elderly and sick hostages. In exchange, approximately 700 to 1,000 Palestinians must be released from Israeli prisons.
Netanyahu’s office commented that the proposal contained unrealistic demands and vowed to continue its military operation in Gaza until the Hamas organization is destroyed.
On Monday, the UN Security Council approved a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The US did not veto the resolution, sparking a minor dispute between Israel and the US.
Source: Reuters