Hamas says US ceasefire proposal under review, does not meet Palestinian demands
A senior Hamas official said that a US proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip remains under review, even though it does not meet the core demands of the movement
- GAZA — A senior Hamas official said that a US proposal for a ceasefire in
the Gaza Strip remains under review, even though it does not meet the core
demands of the movement and the Palestinian people.
-
- Basem Naim, a member of Hamas's political bureau, said in
a statement, on Thursday, that the movement had received the Israeli response
to the US proposal brokered last week by US Special Envoy to the Middle East
Steve Witkoff, Xinhua news agency reported.
-
- According to Naim, the Israeli position fails to address
key Palestinian demands, including a complete cessation of hostilities and the
lifting of the long-standing blockade on Gaza.
-
- He said the proposal would allow for the continuation of
"the occupation" and humanitarian suffering, even during any
temporary truce.
-
- "Nevertheless, the movement's leadership is
evaluating the proposal with a sense of national responsibility, particularly
in light of the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis facing the Palestinian
people," Naim said.
-
- Hamas stated earlier that it had received the updated
ceasefire proposal through mediators and was assessing it in a way that
reflects the interests of the Palestinian people and aims to achieve lasting
peace and relief for Gaza residents.
-
- Hamas had previously said it had agreed with Mr Witkoff
on a "general framework" of an agreement that would lead to a lasting
ceasefire, a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, an influx of aid, and a
transfer of power from the militant group to a politically independent
committee of Palestinians.
-
