As indirect negotiations continue between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and prisoner exchanges, the UK has stated that reaching a ceasefire is essential, provided that Hamas leaders are removed from the territory and its infrastructure dismantled. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron stated on Wednesday that "stopping the fighting is necessary to allow for the release of hostages from the area." However, he emphasized that "a lot of conditions need to be met first to achieve a lasting ceasefire." Cameron told Reuters in an interview during his visit to Thailand, "What we must try to decisively do is turn this pause into a permanent and sustainable ceasefire." He added that this would not be achieved "unless a large set of conditions are fulfilled, including the removal of Hamas leaders from Gaza and the dismantling of the terrorist infrastructure," according to him. The movement has previously confirmed that such a condition is unacceptable.
These statements come as talks held in Doha made some progress, particularly after the Israeli delegation formally responded to Hamas's demands regarding the prisoner exchange deal and ceasefire, according to Israeli broadcasting authority on Tuesday evening. It was also reported that the Israeli proposal included "references to several criteria, including the return of residents to northern Gaza and the issue of releasing Palestinian security prisoners." It seems that "the Israeli negotiators in Doha first tried to reach an understanding regarding the release of Palestinian security prisoners in exchange for the release of about 40 Israelis," according to the authority.
