Hamas announced on Saturday that they are currently evaluating a new proposal from Israel for a cease-fire in Gaza, as both sides try to find a breakthrough in their negotiations.
There is growing concern about a potential Israeli invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza, where over a million people have been displaced. Humanitarian organizations have warned of dire consequences for civilians if such an offensive were to occur.
Senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya stated that the group has received a response from Israel regarding a proposal they submitted to Egyptian and Qatari mediators two weeks ago. While details of the Israeli proposal were not disclosed, Hamas will provide a response after thoroughly reviewing it.
Egyptian officials recently visited Israel to help move the negotiations forward between Israel and Hamas. The talks have hit a roadblock over issues such as Israeli troop withdrawal and the duration of a cease-fire. Hamas is pushing for a permanent halt to hostilities, while Israel is considering a temporary pause.
One of the main points of contention is the return of displaced Palestinians to the north. Hamas insists on a mass return, while Israel wants to impose restrictions on who can return and under what conditions.
The deadlock has resulted in continued suffering for Palestinians in Gaza due to Israeli airstrikes, which have caused widespread destruction and a high number of casualties. Israeli hostages remain separated from their families, leading to criticism of the government’s handling of the situation.
As Israel considers a potential invasion of Rafah, calls for urgent cease-fire negotiations have intensified. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken is set to visit Israel next week, with the United States urging Israel to avoid a major military operation in Rafah.
Israeli officials have hinted at plans to expand a designated “humanitarian zone” along the coast to accommodate more civilians in the event of a ground offensive in Rafah.
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2024-04-27 16:19:32
Original from www.nytimes.com