Palestinian fighters take a captured Israeli soldier during Operation Al-Aqsa Flood (social media sites)
The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) announced in a statement its adherence to the demands of a comprehensive ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, the return of the displaced, and a real exchange of prisoners.
The movement said in a statement on Tuesday that it informed the mediators of its adherence to its vision that it presented on March 14, because the occupation’s response did not respond to any of its demands.
In its statement, the movement blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. His government bears full responsibility for thwarting all negotiation efforts and obstructing reaching an agreement.
There has been no comment yet from Netanyahu's office on Hamas' statement.
Hamas said in its proposal that the initial release of Israelis would include women, children, the elderly and the sick in exchange for the release of between 700 and 1,000 Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons, according to the proposal. This includes the release of "Israeli female soldiers."
Hamas also indicated that it wants the exchange of Palestinian prisoners and Israeli detainees to be part of a comprehensive ceasefire agreement that ends the war.
Netanyahu's office responded to Hamas' proposal, saying that it was still based on "unrealistic demands," vowing to press ahead with its ground offensive until Hamas is eliminated.
Qatar and Egypt are trying to reduce the differences between Israel and Hamas over what a ceasefire should look like in light of the worsening humanitarian crisis that exposes the residents of the Gaza Strip to the risk of famine.
On Monday, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas after the United States abstained from voting, sparking a dispute with its ally Israel.
The remaining 14 members of the Council supported the resolution proposed by the 10 elected members of the Council, which also demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
Source: Al Jazeera + Reuters