Negotiations stalled as Hamas demands detailed ceasefire proposal: WSJ
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Hamas is seeking a detailed written proposal that aligns with Biden's description and ensures a comprehensive and enduring ceasefire
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Smoke rises from an Israeli airstrike in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Friday, May 31, 2024 (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
The negotiations between "Israel" and Hamas have hit a roadblock as Hamas officials express dissatisfaction with the one-sided terms from "Israel," Wall Street Journal reports.
According to statements made to mediators, Hamas has not seen an Israeli proposal that aligns with the vision outlined by US President Biden.
While acknowledging the seriousness of Biden's ideas, Hamas is seeking a detailed written proposal that aligns with his description and ensures a comprehensive and enduring ceasefire, as conveyed by Arab mediators.
Senior Hamas official Ghazi Hamad criticized "Israel" for not being serious about negotiating a ceasefire. Meanwhile, Hamas's chief in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, appears to be in no rush to end the war, believing it is strategically advantageous for the goal of liberation.
However, Hamas's political bureau leaders are reportedly eager to reach a resolution, provided it guarantees the group's recognition and continued governance of Gaza.
Hamas has gained confidence in its ability to withstand "Israel's" campaign, particularly with growing international condemnation over Israeli genocidal actions in Rafah. But indirect negotiations have stalled primarily due to disagreements over whether an initial temporary ceasefire would lead to a permanent end to the war.
The most recent Israeli proposal received by Hamas described a period of "sustainable calm" in ambiguous terms, which has further complicated negotiations.
Hamas remains wary of trusting "Israel" without written guarantees, though achieving this seems challenging given the current political climate in "Israel," an observer told WSJ.
Read more: Israeli official calls Biden ceasefire deal description 'not accurate'
On May 31, Biden laid out a new proposal that involves releasing Israeli captives in exchange for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Biden claimed that this is the most effective step toward de-escalating the ongoing war, adding, "With a ceasefire, that aid could be safely and effectively distributed to all who need it."
On June 1, Hamas expressed that it "views positively" the contents of Biden's speech regarding a permanent ceasefire
Then on June 2, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced that any suggestion of "Israel" agreeing to a permanent ceasefire before "the destruction of Hamas' military and governing capabilities" was "a non-starter."
Many extremists in his cabinet have threatened to dissolve the government if he were to agree to the terms mentioned in Biden's proposal, including Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
