Israel reviews Hamas response to Gaza cease-fire proposal

2024-07-04 21:24:30Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Israel reviews Hamas response to Gaza cease-fire proposal
Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene his security cabinet this evening to discuss new proposals by Hamas for a cease-fire agreement in Gaza, according to a source in the Prime Minister's Office, according to Reuters.

Before the cabinet meeting, Netanyahu will hold consultations with his ceasefire negotiation team.

Israel yesterday received Hamas's response to a proposal made public in late May by US President Joe Biden - which would include the release of around 120 hostages held in Gaza and a ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave.

A Palestinian official close to the mediation effort said Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza, has shown flexibility on some clauses that would allow a framework agreement to be reached if Israel approves them. Two Hamas officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Hamas said any deal must end the nearly nine-month war and lead to a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Israel said it would only accept temporary pauses in fighting - until Hamas was gone.

The plan includes the gradual release of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza and the withdrawal of Israeli forces during the first two phases, as well as the release of Palestinian prisoners.

The third phase involves the reconstruction of war-torn territory and the return of the remains of dead hostages.


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