Hamas has softened its position in its latest Gaza cease-fire proposal but is still demanding certain assurances that Israel is not willing to meet, according to senior officials involved in the negotiations. This has created a major hurdle to reaching an agreement, despite expressions of optimism from U.S. and Israeli officials.
Hamas is asking for international guarantees that negotiations will continue until a final deal is reached and all hostages in Gaza are freed. Israel has rejected this demand, wanting the option to resume fighting if necessary.
The talks are based on a three-stage framework endorsed by the United Nations Security Council and President Biden, with both sides agreeing on the broad outlines of a deal that includes a six-week cease-fire and the release of most civilian hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
The remaining 120 hostages, out of roughly 250, have become a key point of contention, with Hamas refusing to release any more without a path to a permanent cease-fire.
Israeli negotiators, led by Mossad chief David Barnea, met with Qatari officials to discuss further talks, but significant challenges remain in reaching a final agreement.
Hamas did make a concession in its latest proposal, softening its stance on negotiation terms for the second phase of the cease-fire, but tensions persist over issues such as the future of Gaza and the release of remaining hostages.
As cease-fire talks progress, Israeli military actions in Gaza continue, with an airstrike on a United Nations school resulting in casualties. The ongoing conflict highlights the urgent need for a resolution to end the violence and free all hostages.
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