Media reports indicate that Hezbollah advised Hamas to be "flexible" in its response to the ceasefire proposal put forward by U.S. President Joe Biden last month. The Israeli public broadcasting authority "Kan," citing an unnamed Israeli source, reported that Hamas has been in contact with Hezbollah to discuss the ceasefire proposal and how to respond more effectively.
Hezbollah encouraged Hamas not to close the door on negotiations and to continue cooperating with mediators in Qatar and Egypt, emphasizing that the issue is "in the hands of Hamas leadership." The report notes that Hezbollah's advice is partly based on the assessment that Hamas would benefit from responding positively to the plan, especially since Israel, particularly Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, appears unenthusiastic.
Earlier, Netanyahu revealed that there are "gaps" between Biden's proposal and Israel's position, which rejects a permanent ceasefire in Gaza until all objectives of the war, ongoing since October 7, are achieved, including the elimination of Hamas. Hamas political bureau head Ismail Haniyeh stated today that Hamas's response to the latest ceasefire proposal aligns with the principles of Biden's plan.
