From Nidal al-Maghribi
CAIRO/DOHA (Reuters) – Chances of reaching a cease-fire deal in Gaza appeared to have receded on Sunday as the Islamist opposition movement (Hamas) pressed its demands. The release of the hostages and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied it.
The two sides exchanged accusations of causing the crisis, and Hamas representatives said they were leaving Cairo on Sunday evening after the latest round of cease-fire talks to consult with the movement’s leadership.
The Movement affirmed in a statement, “Its approach with all positivity and responsibility, and its eagerness and determination to reach an agreement that meets the national demands of our people, ends the occupation completely, withdraws from the entire Gaza Strip. IDPs, intensify relief, start reconstruction and complete the prisoner exchange agreement.” doing.”
During the second day of talks brokered by Egypt and Qatar, Palestinian officials said Hamas representatives remained firm in their position that any deal would end the fighting.
Israeli officials did not travel to Cairo to participate in the talks, but Netanyahu on Sunday reaffirmed Israel’s stated goal since the start of the war nearly seven months ago. the future.
Netanyahu said Israel was willing to temporarily halt fighting in Gaza to free Hamas hostages, believed to be more than 130.
He added, “But despite Israel’s willingness, Hamas still insists on its hardline positions, especially the demand that we withdraw all our forces from the Gaza Strip, end the war, and keep it in power… Israel cannot accept that.”
“The latest round of mediation in Cairo is on the verge of collapse,” an official familiar with the talks told Reuters.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant said Hamas does not appear to be serious about reaching a ceasefire.
He added, “We are observing worrying signs that Hamas does not want to reach an agreement with us… This means that in the very near future a strong military operation will begin in Rafah and the rest of the Gaza Strip. “
In a statement released after Netanyahu’s comments, Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas’s political bureau, said the movement is “keen to reach a more comprehensive, interlocking agreement that would end the occupation, guarantee withdrawal and reach a serious prisoner exchange deal.”
Haniyeh said Netanyahu was responsible for “finding permanent justifications for the continuation of the occupation, widening the circle of conflict, and sabotaging efforts by mediators and various parties.”
Hamas surprised Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people and taking 252 hostage, according to Israel.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza says more than 34,600 Palestinians have been killed and more than 77,000 wounded in Israeli attacks on the Strip so far. The attack devastated much of the coastal region and created a humanitarian crisis.
