A top member of Hamas who has been actively participating in the behind-the-scenes ceasefire talks with Israel in Doha, Qatar, said that practical proposals have been put forward to help move the process forward. However, he emphasized that whether any deal materializes will largely hinge on how the United States chooses to act, noting that Washington holds significant sway over Israel.
In a conversation with Asharq Al-Awsat, the Hamas representative expressed cautious optimism about a potential breakthrough, citing Israel’s new IDF troop movement maps as a constructive gesture. He remarked that this shift could help foster a political environment more amenable to compromise.
He explained that the negotiations have reached a pivotal and delicate juncture, with both parties working through complex terms and conditions that could shape the outcome of any eventual agreement.
The official said Hamas is focused on ending what he described as ongoing “aggression” and efforts at “annihilation,” while pushing for a broad accord that would involve the release of ten hostages in return for freeing Palestinian security detainees.
He underscored Hamas’s core demand by stating, “Any real progress must be based on a clear Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, as this is a non-negotiable condition.”
{Matzav.com Israel}
Israel must take the position that the release of all the hostages immediately is not negotiable. .
Israel must take the position that the immediate release of all the hostages is not negotiable.