Hamas has demanded a “clear written commitment” from Israel to withdraw from the Gaza Strip during the second phase of a proposed three-phase cease-fire deal. The Palestinian militant group submitted its response to a six-week cease-fire proposal to Egyptian and Qatari mediators, reiterating its demands for a permanent cease-fire, Israeli army withdrawal from Gaza, the return of displaced people to their homes, increased aid flow, and reconstruction to begin. However, Israel stated that Hamas rejected the latest proposal for a deal submitted last week.
Hamas also expressed readiness to negotiate a serious exchange of prisoners between the two sides. The proposed deal includes a six-week cease-fire during which Hamas would release hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. Hamas is seeking a comprehensive, phased deal that includes ending the war, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the release of all hostages in exchange for a significant number of Palestinian prisoners.
The response from Hamas also includes an increase in the number of Palestinian prisoners the group wants released from Israel. The Egyptian official and Hamas officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated that the response includes the unrestricted return of displaced Palestinians in northern Gaza through main thoroughfares. Mediators will carefully review the response before calling for another round of talks between the two parties.
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