According to a senior Israeli official involved in the negotiations for a truce and hostage release agreement in Doha, Hamas’s response to the proposed deal has been described as “ridiculous” and has cast doubt on the willingness of Hamas’s Gaza leader, Yahya “Sinwar,” to move forward with negotiations at present.
Late on Monday, Hamas issued a statement asserting its adherence to its original terms, which entail an end to the conflict, a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the repatriation of displaced Gazans to the northern part of the territory before engaging in discussions regarding Palestinian detainees.
Israel has consistently dismissed these demands as impractical and out of touch with reality, deeming them non-starters in negotiations.
Speaking to Channel 12, the Israeli official suggested that Sinwar is intentionally stalling and harbors aspirations for an escalation of tensions in Yerushalayim and the West Bank during the ongoing Muslim fasting month, which commenced more than two weeks ago. Hamas had previously called for such actions prior to Ramadan, when mediators were striving to secure a temporary cessation of hostilities.
“Despite the circumstances, with [Sinwar] in a tunnel surrounded by hostages as a human shield, with access to provisions and medication, and heightened diplomatic pressure on Israel, he still harbors hopes of consolidating fronts during Ramadan,” remarked the official.
Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu earlier reiterated Israel’s rejection of Hamas’s ceasefire terms and accused the group of showing disinterest in advancing negotiations toward a resolution.
Netanyahu lamented Hamas’s refusal, labeling it as regrettable evidence of the Security Council’s decision’s detrimental impact. The Council had recently passed a resolution advocating for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages held by Hamas, without linking the two issues. The resolution garnered approval after the United States abstained from voting, triggering tensions with Israel.
The Prime Minister affirmed Israel’s steadfast stance against acceding to what he deemed as Hamas’s “fantastical” demands, reaffirming Israel’s commitment to neutralize the group’s military and administrative capabilities while also pursuing the release of remaining captives from the October 7 incident.
{Matzav.com}
ALL of this is because of BIDEN