Netanyahu new demands to take talks back to square one: Hamas official

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
9 Sep 2024 19:41

Izzat al-Rishq slams claims circulated by "Israel" and some US sources about new demands introduced by Hamas as false.

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stands before a map of the Gaza Strip, during a news conference in al-Quds, Monday, Sept. 2, 2024. (AP)

Unless pressure is imposed on Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to adhere to the agreed terms regarding the prisoner exchange deal, the Israeli captives will not see the light of day, pointed out Izzat al-Rishq, a member of Hamas' political bureau.

Al-Rishq indicated on Monday that "everyone knows that Netanyahu and his Nazi government are the sides obstructing the agreement."

He emphasized that the Palestinian Resistance's demands are clear and non-negotiable: a permanent cessation of Israeli aggression on Gaza and a complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the Strip.

The Hamas official warned against considering Netanyahu's new conditions as a basis for negotiation, as this would take the prisoner exchange and ceasefire talks back to square one.

Al-Rishq also dismissed the claims circulated by the Israeli occupation and some American sources about new demands introduced by Hamas as false, considering them an attempt to evade responsibility for "Israel's role in delaying the negotiations to stop the aggression against the Palestinian people.

US failed to reach ceasefire proposal pleasing Resistance, 'Israel'

A senior source from the Palestinian Resistance revealed Saturday to Al Mayadeen that the United States had failed to present a ceasefire proposal that satisfies both sides in the ongoing war on Gaza.

According to the source, "Israel" rejected the US initiative, believing it did not adequately address its security concerns.

The source further explained that US officials view Netanyahu as the primary obstacle to reaching an agreement. Meanwhile, the Hamas movement had not introduced any new demands, standing firm on the document regarding a ceasefire deal presented on July 2.

The Palestinian Resistance also assured mediators that the aforementioned document remains the only viable path toward an agreement, dismissing the need for any alternative proposals.

A high-ranking leader within the Palestinian Resistance confirmed to Al Mayadeen on Friday that the Philadelphi Corridor remains the key obstacle in achieving both a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and a prisoner exchange deal.

The leader added that the Israeli occupation is adamant about not withdrawing from the Corridor during the first phase of the agreement, intending to postpone the withdrawal to the second phase.

He also noted that Hamas informed mediators of its categorical rejection of allowing occupation forces to remain in the area during the initial 42 days of the agreement.

No active Resistance tunnels in Philadelphi Corridor: Israeli media

A significant point of contention has been Netanyahu's demand for Israeli military control over the Philadelphi Corridor at the border between the Gaza Strip and Egypt.

The Philadelphi Corridor includes the Rafah border crossing with Egypt which is crucial for aid delivery. It extends 12.6 kilometers from the Karem Abu Salem crossing to the Mediterranean Sea.

The Israeli Prime Minister claims the Corridor is crucial for Hamas' operations and insists on maintaining a military presence there as part of any agreement.

But Israeli media reported on Sunday, citing sources within the Israeli occupation military, that there is no active tunnel belonging to the Palestinian Resistance in the Corridor.

Security and military commentator for the Israeli Channel 12, Amir Bar-Shalom, revealed that the Israeli military "says it can afford to withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor."

He further mentioned that he consulted multiple military sources, asking them, "Is there an active (Resistance) tunnel in the Philadelphi Corridor?" The consistent response was, "No."