Hamas says it responded to latest Gaza truce proposal
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
More than 100 aid organisations warned on July 23 that “mass starvation” was spreading in Gaza.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Follow topic:
GAZA CITY - Hamas said on July 24 that it has responded to an Israeli proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza,
The Palestinian militant group said in a statement on Telegram that it has “just submitted its response and that of the Palestinian factions to the ceasefire proposal to the mediators”.
A statement from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed it had received the response.
“It is currently being evaluated,” it added.
Hamas’ response included proposed amendments to clauses on the entry of aid, maps of areas from which the Israeli army should withdraw, and guarantees on securing a permanent end to the war, according to a Palestinian source familiar with the ongoing talks in Doha.
Negotiators from both sides have been holding indirect talks in Doha with mediators in an attempt to reach an agreement on a truce deal that would see the release of Israeli hostages.
Of the 251 hostages taken during Hamas’ 2023 attack, 49 are still being held in Gaza
But the talks have dragged on for more than two weeks without a breakthrough, with each side blaming the other for refusing to budge on their key demands.
For Israel, dismantling Hamas’ military and governing capabilities is non-negotiable, while Hamas is demanding firm guarantees on a lasting truce, a full withdrawal of Israeli troops and the free flow of aid into Gaza.
Israeli government spokesman David Mencer on July 23 accused Hamas of obstructing the talks.
“Israel has agreed to the Qatari proposal and the updated (US special envoy Steve) Witkoff proposal; it is Hamas that is refusing,” Mr Mencer told reporters, adding that Israel’s negotiating team was still in Doha and talks were ongoing.
The United States said Mr Witkoff will head to Europe this week for talks on a possible ceasefire and an aid corridor.
More than 100 aid organisations warned on July 23 that “mass starvation” was spreading in Gaza. Israel said it was allowing aid in but international agencies were not picking it up for distribution. AFP
