Hamas officials said on Sunday that the group is waiting for an answer of Israel to its latest ceasefire proposal, Reuters reported.
Hamas said last week it would accept a key part of a three-phase ceasefire agreement championed by President Biden, reigniting talks with Israel on a ceasefire agreement as progress has slowed in recent weeks.
Israeli officials described Hamas’ latest offer as “constructive,” Axios reported Wednesday. The group is reportedly willing to abandon its demand that any ceasefire agreement be of a permanent nature, according to the Associated Press.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said on Friday that “gaps still exist” between the parties, although negotiations continue.
The pending ceasefire agreement would entail a six-week pause in fighting, the withdrawal of the Israeli military from Gaza, increased humanitarian aid shipments and the release of Israeli hostages. During this pause, the two sides would negotiate a long-term, second-phase agreement.
A third phase of the agreement would focus on financing and supporting the reconstruction of Gaza.
CIA Director William Burns will travel to the Middle East again this week to help with negotiations, Reuters reported.
Circumstances in Gaza continue to be difficult for civilians, with limited access to medical supplies, food and water.
More than 38,000 Palestinians in the territory have been killed by the Israeli military since October, when Hamas militants killed around 1,200 Israelis in a surprise attack on civilians. Hamas said it still holds around 120 Israeli hostages.
Border clashes between Israel and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon have also escalated in recent weeks, raising fears that Israel could soon enter a two-front war. Hezbollah leaders demanded that Israel reach a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, promising to end its aggression if an agreement is reached.
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