Hamas Rejects Ceasefire Deal Witkoff's Proposal DOA?

Hamas Expresses Reservations on Witkoff's Gaza Ceasefire Proposal, Demands Changes

In a significant development concerning the ongoing efforts to establish a ceasefire in Gaza, Hamas has indicated that it does not fully accept the latest proposal put forth by US envoy Steve Witkoff. According to sources familiar with the matter, the organization is requesting specific alterations to the proposed agreement.

Feeling 'Screwed Over': Hamas' Perspective

A source familiar with Hamas's thinking told The Jerusalem Post that the group feels "deceived" by the U.S. administration, alleging that the proposal leans too heavily in favor of Israel and lacks a solid guarantee of an end to the conflict. Key concerns include:

• Hostage Leverage: The proposal reportedly requires the return of all hostages to Israel within a week, leaving Hamas with diminished negotiating power.
• Bias Allegations: Hamas claims the new proposal is more pro-Israel than previous versions, suggesting that Witkoff largely accommodated demands made by Ron Dermer in a recent meeting.
• Guarantee of Permanent Ceasefire: A crucial sticking point is the absence of a clear American assurance that the temporary ceasefire will transition into a permanent one.

The proposal's failure to explicitly state that the ceasefire would continue even if negotiations extend beyond 60 days is also a source of concern for Hamas. They fear a repeat of past experiences, where Israel allegedly violated agreements unilaterally.

Israeli Official's Response

However, a senior Israeli official offered a different perspective, stating that "Contrary to reports, the Witkoff agreement proposed in recent days did not determine the new deployment line of the IDF, nor the manner in which aid would be distributed within the framework of a ceasefire.”

Hamas' Official Statement

Despite its reservations, Hamas has released a statement indicating it is seriously considering the proposal. “The Hamas Movement’s leadership has received the new Witkoff proposal from the mediators and is reviewing it responsibly to serve the interests of our people, provide them relief, and achieve a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip,” the statement read.

Key Elements of the Witkoff Proposal

The proposed agreement reportedly includes the following components:

• Hostage Release: The release of 10 living hostages and 18 deceased hostages, conducted in two phases.
• Ceasefire Duration: A 60-day ceasefire, with the possibility of extension by mutual agreement.
• IDF Withdrawal: The withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from certain areas within Gaza.
• Humanitarian Aid: The United Nations taking over the distribution of humanitarian aid within Gaza.

Uncertainty Remains

As of Thursday, senior Hamas official Basim Naim told Reuters that the Israeli response to the Witkoff proposal "failed to meet Hamas' demands" and that the proposal was still under discussion.

The Road Ahead

The coming days will be critical in determining whether the proposed ceasefire agreement can be salvaged. The demands for changes from Hamas highlight the deep-seated distrust and the complexities involved in achieving a lasting peace. Ultimately, the success of these negotiations hinges on the willingness of both sides to compromise and prioritize the well-being of the people affected by this conflict.

Source: https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-855946