Hamas Says It’s Sticking To Demand for Permanent Ceasefire

 

Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected the idea of a permanent truce in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages

by Dave DeCamp April 3, 2024 at 5:59 pm ET 

CategoriesNewsTagsIsrael, Palestine

The head of Hamas’s political bureau said Wednesday that the Palestinian group is sticking to its demand for a permanent ceasefire and withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza as a condition for a hostage deal.

“We are committed to our demands: the permanent ceasefire, comprehensive and complete withdrawal of the enemy out of the Gaza Strip, the return of all displaced people to their homes, allowing all aid needed for our people in Gaza, rebuilding the Strip, lifting the blockade and achieving an honorable prisoner exchange deal,” said Ismail Haniyeh, who is based in Qatar.

Also on Wednesday, Qatar said one of the main sticking points in indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas is the issue of displaced Palestinians being able to return to their homes.

Israel has repeatedly rejected Hamas’s condition for a permanent ceasefire, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made clear any truce that comes with a hostage exchange would only be temporary as he’s vowing to invade the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

As time goes on, more and more Israeli hostages in Gaza are dying. Haaretz reported last week that Israel believes only 60 to 70 Israeli hostages in Gaza are alive out of the 134 people and bodies that are being held in the Strip. The report also quoted Israeli officials who said Netanyahu was purposely sabotaging hostage deal negotiations.

https://news.antiwar.com/2024/04/03/hamas-says-its-sticking-to-demand-for-permanent-ceasefire/