The Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) stated on Wednesday in a statement that it will continue to negotiate through mediators to reach a ceasefire agreement with Israel. The statement said, "Hamas has shown the necessary flexibility to reach an agreement that ensures a comprehensive halt to the aggression against our people, yet the occupation continues to evade the requirements of this agreement, especially those that achieve a permanent ceasefire, the return of displaced people, withdrawal from the sector, and the provision of needs for our people."
It added, "The movement will continue to negotiate through the brother mediators to reach an agreement that fulfills our people's demands and interests."
U.S. President Joe Biden stated on Tuesday that accepting a ceasefire agreement in Gaza in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages is now in Hamas' hands, while delegations have continued talks for the third day without any indication of a breakthrough. Under the proposed agreement to Hamas, the movement would release some hostages it has held, while aid to Gaza would be increased in an attempt to avoid famine there, as hospitals treat children suffering from severe malnutrition. Hamas would provide a list of all hostages held in Gaza.
On Tuesday, the United States revised a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council to support "an immediate ceasefire for approximately six weeks in Gaza and the release of all hostages," according to a text reviewed by Reuters. The third revision of the text, first proposed by the U.S. two weeks ago, reflects the sharp statements made by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, who called on Israel to do more to alleviate the "humanitarian catastrophe" in Gaza.
The White House stated that U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani confirmed during a meeting on Tuesday that the release of sick and injured hostages, women, and the elderly would lead to an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for at least six weeks. The White House added, "This first phase of the ceasefire will also enable the increase of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza and provide time and space to secure arrangements for more sustainable calm."
Earlier in Beirut, Hamas leader Osama Hamdan reaffirmed the movement's main demands, which include ending the Israeli military attack, withdrawing Israeli forces, and allowing all residents of Gaza to return to their homes from which they were forced to flee. Hamdan added that any exchange of hostages and prisoners could only occur after a ceasefire. Israel insists that it will not end the conflict until "Hamas is eradicated."
Washington, as the primary political and military supporter of Israel and one of the sponsors of the talks, directly blamed the rulers of Gaza. Biden told reporters, "The matter is now in Hamas' hands. The Israelis are cooperating. There was a rational offer. If we reach a situation where (the fighting) continues until Ramadan, it will be very dangerous."
A source told Reuters earlier that Israel had interrupted the talks because Hamas rejected its request to provide a list of all hostages still alive. Naeem explained that this is impossible without a ceasefire first, considering that the hostages are distributed throughout the war zone and held by different factions.
Negotiators from Hamas, Qatar, and Egypt are meeting in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, in the absence of an Israeli delegation, to try to reach an agreement on a 40-day truce before the start of Ramadan next week.
