Qatar: Israel Must Respond To Ceasefire Proposal

Majed Al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, stated on Tuesday that Qatar is still waiting for Israel’s response to a proposed ceasefire agreement for the Gaza Strip, which Hamas has reportedly accepted.

During a press conference, Al-Ansari explained that Israel needs to clarify whether it has any objections to the plan, which was presented through mediators from both Qatar and Egypt.

On August 18, Hamas notified the mediators that it had agreed to a 60-day truce in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages in two stages, as well as the release of Palestinian prisoners currently being held in Israel.

Following that development, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu authorized an IDF operational plan aimed at gaining control over Gaza City. He underscored that Israel’s objective is to secure a broader agreement that would ensure the simultaneous release of all Israeli hostages.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ismail Maslamani, identified as an expert on Israeli affairs, claimed during an interview on Hamas’s television channel that Netanyahu is deliberately avoiding direct ceasefire talks. He also alleged that disagreements have emerged between Israel’s political leadership and its military command regarding the terms of the proposed deal.

Maslamani further argued that Netanyahu’s ultimate aim is to remain in power for his entire four-year term and that he is relying on U.S. backing to push for a more comprehensive agreement.

{Matzav.com Israel}