Doubts over Gaza ceasefire prospects
Last Updated on May 6, 2024 4:27 am
The prospect of a cease-fire in the Palestinian-besieged Gaza remains in doubt due to the intransigence of occupying Israel and the pro-independence group Hamas. Hamas reiterated its position on the cessation of hostilities in exchange for the release of hostages. On the other hand, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly rejected the possibility of ending the war.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue to attack Gaza amid ceasefire talks. 29 more Palestinians were killed in the 24-hour attack by Israel, the Gaza Ministry of Health said on Sunday. With this, 34 thousand 683 people have been killed in the attack of the Israeli forces in Gaza since October 7. 78 thousand Palestinians were injured.
Israel and Hamas blame each other for the stalemate in the ongoing ceasefire talks in the Egyptian capital, Cairo. In the second day of talks yesterday with the mediators of Egypt and Qatar, the delegation of Hamas said that any ceasefire agreement must include the issue of cessation of hostilities. Palestinian officials said this.
Israeli officials did not visit Cairo as part of indirect diplomacy. However, Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated his position yesterday and said, ‘Hamas has maintained its stubborn position. The first of these is withdrawing our forces from Gaza, ending the war and keeping Hamas in power. Israel cannot accept this.
Shortly after Netanyahu’s speech, the head of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, made a statement. In it, he said, Hamas is interested in reaching a comprehensive cease-fire agreement that would end the Israeli aggression, guarantee the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and release Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners.
The Hamas chief blamed Netanyahu for continuing the aggression and perpetuating the cycle of conflict and thwarting efforts by various parties to mediate and negotiate a ceasefire.
Meanwhile, thousands of people protested in Israel until late last Saturday to demand a deal to bring back the hostages. Protesters in Tel Aviv chanted anti-war slogans. Some of the protesters accused Prime Minister Netanyahu of prolonging the conflict.