The Hamas and Islamic Jihad terror factions in Gaza have reportedly turned down a peace proposal led by Egypt, signaling a refusal to cede control in exchange for an end to the ongoing conflict. Sources suggest that negotiators in Cairo, outlining major conditions, including the establishment of a Palestinian parliament and democratic elections to terminate Hamas’ rule, faced opposition from the militant groups. Instead, these organizations emphasized their willingness solely to engage in discussions centered on a potential exchange of over 100 Israeli hostages for numerous Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons.
During the Cairo negotiations, a representative of Hamas expressed the group’s primary objective as putting an end to Israeli aggression, massacres, and what they perceive as genocide against their people. The official conveyed to Reuters that their priority was securing ongoing and increased aid for the population in both the northern and southern regions of Gaza. Only after a cessation of hostilities and a rise in assistance would the groups be open to talks regarding a swap of prisoners.
While past discussions revolved around exchanging hostages at a rate of one for every three Palestinian women and minors released, leaders of Islamic Jihad are now advocating for an all-encompassing exchange—insisting on the release of all hostages in return for all Palestinian prisoners, as per Egyptian sources. Before the conflict initiated on October 7, approximately 5,250 Palestinian prisoners were held in Israeli jails. However, this number has surged due to the arrest of thousands more in conflicts across the West Bank, leading to a total exceeding 100 Israeli hostages still held captive in Gaza.
Despite significant differences between the involved parties, Izzat al-Risheq, a member of Hamas’s political bureau, asserted that the peace talks remain on the table. He emphasized the movement’s determination to halt aggression and massacres permanently, rejecting temporary truces that might lead to a continuation of violence.
The Egyptian peace plan outlines a three-phase approach, beginning with a two-week truce wherein 40 hostages would be released in exchange for 120 prisoners. Subsequent phases involve the formation of a new government in Gaza, ultimately aiming for a lasting peace and the freedom of all hostages. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated Israel’s refusal to accept the proposal, emphasizing that the conflict will persist until the complete destruction of the terror groups. Netanyahu’s unwavering stance, delivered during a visit to northern Gaza and in a subsequent parliamentary address, drew criticism from some representatives and families of hostages present at the meeting, who vocally expressed their urgency and frustration.
{Matzav.com Israel}
