19 August 2024: The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has sharply criticized the latest Gaza ceasefire proposal, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of setting new conditions that undermine the prospects for peace. The proposal, negotiated in Doha last week, has sparked controversy, with Hamas claiming that the terms favor Israeli interests and impede a lasting resolution.
In a statement released on Sunday, Hamas alleged that Netanyahu’s new demands, particularly his refusal to agree to a permanent ceasefire and a complete withdrawal from Gaza, are the primary obstacles to reaching an agreement. The group emphasized that the Israeli leader’s insistence on maintaining control over key areas in Gaza, including the Netzarim Junction, the Rafah crossing, and the Philadelphi Corridor, is unacceptable and prolongs the conflict, reported Al Jazeera.
Hamas also accused Netanyahu of backtracking on previous agreements regarding a hostage-prisoner exchange, further complicating the negotiations. “Netanyahu is still putting obstacles in the way of reaching an agreement, setting new conditions and demands to sabotage the mediators’ efforts and prolong the war,” the statement read.
Despite these setbacks, Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to the terms agreed upon in July, which were supported by US President Joe Biden and a United Nations Security Council resolution. The movement called on international mediators to pressure Israel into honoring its commitments and facilitating a genuine ceasefire.
The ceasefire talks in Doha aimed to bridge the gap between Israel and Hamas, with a proposal that included a phased approach to ending hostilities, a hostage-prisoner exchange, and the reconstruction of Gaza. However, the ongoing disagreements have stalled progress, leaving the situation in Gaza precarious.
Since the conflict escalated on October 7, Israeli military actions have resulted in the deaths of over 40,100 Palestinians. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has drawn international condemnation, and the situation remains under scrutiny by the International Court of Justice, where allegations of genocide are being examined.
Efforts by the US, Qatar, and Egypt to mediate a resolution have so far been unsuccessful. A brief truce and exchange of hostages in December offered a glimmer of hope, but the resumption of violence has dashed those hopes, underscoring the deep-seated challenges in achieving lasting peace in the region.
