- Ceasefire negotiations underway
- Biden optimistic, Hamas sceptical
- Hostage release discussed
In exchange for the liberation of hundreds of Palestinian detainees by Israel in exchange for the release of hostages being held captive in Gaza by the militant group, negotiations are underway for a weeks-long ceasefire between the two sides.
Joe Biden’s assertion that a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas might be imminent was characterised as “wishful thinking.”
President Obama has expressed optimism that an armistice can be achieved by the end of this weekend.
In exchange for the liberation of hundreds of Palestinian detainees by Israel in exchange for the release of hostages being held captive in Gaza by the militant group, negotiations are underway for a weeks-long ceasefire between the two sides.
Hamas Skeptical of Ceasefire Hopes
However, in response to the president’s remark, Basem Naim stated that Hamas would not negotiate an agreement in the absence of an absolute ceasefire.
“It is wishful thinking,” he declared. “Perhaps due to internal political affairs in the United States, in an effort to alleviate some of the tension surrounding Democratic parties during the election year.”
On the contrary, this assertion hardly pertains to the reality of the situation. We have not received a formal proposal as of yet. Furthermore, it is my belief that discrepancies persist between our stated demands and the proposals put forth by the opposing parties.
Mr Naim told The World with Yalda Hakim that the group was optimistic a resolution could be reached before the onset of Ramadan on Sunday, 10 March, in the evening.
He also declined to comment on inquiries regarding the whereabouts of Yahya Sinwar, the chief of Hamas, stating that the organisation has every right to protect him.
Contrary to what Gazan civilians told, he denied that Palestinians were furious with Hamas leadership for hiding in tunnels; they insisted that the majority of senior leaders were above ground.
Proximity talks concerning a halt in combat
Qatar is hosting so-called proximity talks, during which mediators separately confer with delegations from both sides.
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A six-week halt in hostilities is being deliberated, accompanied by the daily delivery of hundreds of trucks carrying critically needed aid into Gaza.
The cooperation between Israeli and Hamas representatives indicates that negotiations have advanced more than at any point since Israel declined a Hamas counteroffer for a four-and-a-half-month ceasefire at the beginning of February.
Both parties maintained aloof stances in public regarding the ultimate goals of a ceasefire, attributing the delay in negotiations to the other.
Israel has stated that in order to secure the release of hostages, it is willing to engage in a temporary cessation of hostilities. In contrast, Hamas has maintained that it will not release the hostages until an agreement is reached that results in an irreversible cessation of hostilities.
