Amidst ongoing negotiations, Hamas reiterated its demands, including withdrawal from Gaza, the return of displaced individuals, and a prisoner exchange. The group laid the blame for stalled negotiations on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
Israel has dismissed these demands as unrealistic. Despite this, efforts continue to secure a ceasefire and the release of remaining hostages. Recent discussions involving American, Egyptian, Israeli, and Qatari representatives indicate a potential softening of Israel’s stance.
While a UN Security Council resolution calling for a temporary halt to hostilities garnered widespread support, the U.S. abstained from voting, allowing it to pass. The resolution also urged the immediate release of hostages but didn’t tie this to the ceasefire.
Responding to the resolution, Hamas expressed willingness to engage in a prisoner exchange and called for a permanent ceasefire. Netanyahu canceled a high-level delegation’s visit to Washington in response to the U.S. abstention, citing concerns that it could embolden Hamas.
Hamas’s rejection of recent proposals indicates a continued impasse. Israel reportedly agreed to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli hostages, but Hamas demands more. Israel remains committed to achieving its objectives, including the release of hostages and neutralizing Hamas’s military capabilities.
