Tensions are escalating in the ongoing ceasefire discussions between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, following accusations from a Palestinian official claiming that US special envoy Steve Whitcoff has reversed his earlier agreement on proposed amendments for a temporary ceasefire.
The official, in an interview with the Times of Israel, stated that Whitcoff had communicated through intermediaries to Hamas leadership that he accepted the revisions made by the Palestinian group to the ceasefire plan. This led to speculation that Hamas had agreed to the US-proposed truce.
However, reports indicate that Whitcoff later changed his position, informing mediators that Hamas’ terms were no longer acceptable.
Steve Whitcoff firmly rejected the Palestinian official’s assertions, telling the same newspaper that he never agreed to Hamas’ revisions.
He referenced a prior statement to the Axios news network, where he emphasized that Hamas’ claims of accepting the ceasefire proposal were false.
“What I have seen from Hamas is disappointing and entirely unacceptable,” Whitcoff stated. “Israel is willing to agree to a temporary ceasefire along with a hostage release plan that includes the return of half the living and half the deceased, paving the way for substantial discussions for a permanent ceasefire. This proposal remains on the table, and Hamas must accept it.”
Stalemate in Negotiations
An Israeli source cited by Haaretz indicated that the talks are at a standstill, with both parties firmly holding to their positions. “Both sides are entrenched in their views,” the source remarked.
According to this source, Hamas is demanding assurances that a temporary ceasefire will lead to an enduring resolution to the conflict. Meanwhile, Israel is insisting on Hamas’ complete disarmament, the exile of its leadership, and an exclusion from future governance of the Gaza Strip.
The diplomatic saga unfolds as international pressure intensifies for an agreement that would facilitate hostage releases, allow humanitarian aid entry, and lead to de-escalation of the long-standing conflict.
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