US says Hamas yet to respond to Israeli offer in ceasefire talks
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US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan says the Palestinian Resistance movement Hamas has yet to respond to an Israeli offer in the ceasefire talks.
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Protesters hold posters in support of Palestinians calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, March 10, 2024, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles (AP)
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan disclosed on Tuesday that Hamas had not yet provided a response to an offer extended by the Israeli occupation through mediation involving the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. The offer was put forward during the recent round of talks held in Cairo over the weekend.
Sullivan, speaking at a press briefing, indicated that despite efforts to broker a deal, Hamas remained silent on the proposal. He highlighted his conversation with the Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, wherein it was conveyed that Hamas had not furnished a definitive response.
CIA director William Burns was present in Cairo, Egypt, on Sunday, participating in what Sullivan described as a "marathon session" that extended late into the night. Representatives from the United States, the Israeli occupation, Qatar, and Egypt were engaged in discussions, with the latter two actively communicating with Hamas throughout the talks.
Sullivan noted that "Israel" had demonstrated a willingness to advance negotiations by offering concessions during the discussions. However, the absence of a response from Hamas presents a significant obstacle to progress in reaching a ceasefire agreement.
The talks in Cairo mark the latest in a series of attempts to broker a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, all of which have thus far proven unsuccessful.
Al Thani underscored the Israeli occupation's reluctance to allow Palestinians to return to the northern Gaza Strip as a key sticking point hindering advancements in the truce negotiations.
A senior source within the Palestinian factions told Al Mayadeen on Monday that no progress has been achieved in the ongoing negotiations taking place in the Egyptian capital Cairo on a ceasefire in Gaza and a prisoner exchange deal.
No progress in ceasefire talks
The source affirmed that the Resistance's delegation went to the negotiations in Cairo armed with the nationally agreed-upon Palestinian stance.
The source stressed that Palestinian demands are clear, and there will be no agreement or exchange deal without achieving them.
These include an immediate cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from Gaza, the return of displaced persons, accommodation for the people of Gaza, and the reconstruction of the Strip.
The demands also include the opening of crossings for the entry of aid into Gaza, the lifting of the Israeli siege imposed on the Strip, and the completion of a genuine prisoner exchange deal.
According to the source, all attempts and efforts made by mediators to achieve an agreement and a prisoner exchange deal have been met with intransigence and obstruction by the Israeli occupation.
The source warned that Israeli media are resorting to lies and deception to deceive their society through disseminating fabricated news, adding that the official media sources of the Palestinian people will announce any new developments in the negotiations.
Hamas demands
The Hamas delegation affirmed evening the movement's adherence to its natural national demands during negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza.
During a meeting with the Egyptian Minister of Intelligence, Abbas Kamel, in the Egyptian capital Cairo, the Hamas delegation emphasized the necessity of achieving an agreement that fully halts aggression, ensures the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from Gaza, and allows displaced people to return freely to their areas and places of residence, as well as provides relief to the Palestinian people and initiates the reconstruction of what was destroyed by the Israeli occupation.
Hamas added that a prisoner exchange deal must be concluded, whereby Palestinian detainees are released in exchange for Israeli captives held by the Palestinian Resistance in the Gaza Strip.
The movement reiterated its commitment, along with all Palestinian forces and factions, to achieve national objectives and establish a fully sovereign Palestinian state with its capital al-Quds, and the right of return and self-determination.
