New information has revealed the details of the modifications requested by Hamas on U.S. President Joe Biden's proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, as reported by the magazine "Al-Majalla."
#### Withdrawal from Philadelphi
Hamas insisted on "lifting the siege" on the Gaza Strip and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Philadelphi Corridor in the first phase, prior to a complete withdrawal and a temporary, then permanent, ceasefire in the second phase. Additionally, Hamas called for a role for "UNRWA" and the United Nations, as well as the inclusion of China, Russia, and Turkey alongside the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt as "guarantors" of the agreement, agreeing to a plan for the reconstruction of Gaza over 3-5 years.
#### Written Guarantees
Hamas requested written guarantees for a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip in exchange for agreeing to the proposal, which consists of three phases, each lasting 42 days, with a continuation of the ceasefire during negotiations for the transition from the first to the second phase. As such, the modifications explicitly stated that the framework agreement comprises "three interconnected and related phases."
On Tuesday, Hamas Politburo Chief Ismail Haniyeh and Islamic Jihad Secretary-General Ziad al-Nakhaleh submitted to Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman "the Palestinian response to the Israeli response to the proposal dated May 6."
#### Factions' Modifications
The amendments included a return to the May 6 document in some areas and the addition of new elements due to the current field developments. Here are the key modifications:
1. In the first phase, which lasts for 42 days as previously stated, and includes a temporary cessation of military operations by both sides, Israeli forces are to withdraw eastward and away from densely populated areas along the borders in all regions of the Gaza Strip. A phrase was added: "including the Philadelphi Corridor, Gaza Valley, Netzarim Corridor, and Kuwait Roundabout."
2. In addition to insisting on a 10-hour daily halt to military flights and reconnaissance for 12 hours during the exchange process and the return of displaced persons to their homes, the phrase "withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor" was added.
#### Some Requests are Non-executable
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that "Hamas proposed changes to Biden's proposal, some of which are executable," noting that some of the group's demands concerning the proposed agreement cannot be met. He added that "Hamas should have accepted the proposed plan as it is," emphasizing that "if the group insists on rejection, it will be clear that they have chosen war."
#### "Gaps Can Be Closed"
Blinken also indicated that "it is time to stop the bargaining and start the truce in Gaza." He affirmed that "the gaps between Israel's and Hamas's demands can be closed," explaining: "We will continue to work with mediators to bridge the gaps to reach an agreement." He stressed that "we do not want to see fundamental changes to Biden's proposal regarding Gaza." He also noted that "we will not allow Hamas to control Gaza's future," adding: "We are working daily to increase the flow of aid to Gaza," and stating, "We will soon unveil a plan for the reconstruction of Gaza."
This comes as mediators (Egypt, Qatar, and the United States) continue their efforts to push towards an agreement between Israel and Hamas to halt the fire in the Gaza Strip, following the movement's response received yesterday.
