hamas-denies-new-gaza-truce-talks-with-israel

A senior Hamas representative, Osama Hamdan, has denied any new negotiations with Israel, dismissing Israeli media reports that suggested possible talks for a Gaza truce.

 

Hamdan spoke to a local media house in Arabic and emphasised that Israel must withdraw from Gaza and stop all hostilities. "We do not need new negotiations," he said, noting that Hamas had already accepted a ceasefire proposal which Israel had rejected.

 

Hamdan expressed doubt about Israel's willingness to accept new proposals, warning against giving Israel more time to continue its aggression without solid guarantees.

 

Earlier this month, Hamas approved a ceasefire proposal mediated by Qatar and Egypt to end the seven-month conflict in Gaza, even though Israel found the offer insufficient. Reports from Israeli media indicate that talks may soon resume for a Gaza captive release agreement, following discussions with mediators in Paris.

 

Israeli intelligence chief David Barnea reportedly agreed to a new negotiation framework with CIA Director Bill Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. However, there are concerns within Israel's defence ministry that any temporary ceasefire might lead to future hostilities at Israel's discretion.

 

Hamas remains firm on a permanent end to hostilities rather than a temporary truce. Israel, on the other hand, insists it will end the conflict only when its goals, including the complete dismantling of Hamas, are achieved.

 

However, Israel faces significant international pressure and increasing isolation. Recent actions, like the International Court of Justice's order to halt the Rafah offensive and the International Criminal Court's pursuit of arrest warrants against Israeli leaders, highlight the growing diplomatic challenges for Israel.

 

Efforts to achieve a ceasefire and reopen the Gaza border crossing have gained momentum. The US has engaged in discussions with Israeli officials, including war cabinet minister Benny Gantz, to explore possibilities for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid access.

 

Egypt continues to play a crucial role in mediating ceasefire talks and facilitating prisoner exchanges. These efforts aim to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, worsened by the closure of the Rafah crossing after Israeli military operations.

 

Updated casualty figures from Israel's offensive in Gaza since October 7 show at least 35,903 people have died, with 80,420 injured. In Israel, the death toll from Hamas attacks is 1,139, with several individuals still held captive.

 

Despite public protests in Tel Aviv demanding action to secure the release of captives held in Gaza, Netanyahu's government has yet to reach a deal with Hamas. Critics question the government's commitment to a resolution, doubting its sincerity in pursuing a negotiated settlement.