Hamas Claims Proposed Amendments to Gaza Ceasefire Plan ‘Not Significant’

 

 In a recent development concerning the Gaza ceasefire negotiations, a senior leader of Hamas stated on Thursday that the changes the group has requested to a ceasefire proposal presented by the United States are not significant enough to warrant an objection. This assertion comes amidst ongoing efforts to end the hostilities in the region.The revisions proposed by Hamas include a demand for the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip, a critical point for the group. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted on Wednesday that Hamas had suggested numerous changes to the U.S.-backed proposal, some of which were deemed unworkable. However, he emphasized that mediators were determined to bridge the differences.Among the key demands, Hamas has insisted on the release of a specific list of 100 Palestinians with long-term sentences from Israeli prisons. The senior Hamas leader highlighted that Hamas objects to the exclusion of these prisoners from the Israeli document, as well as to the restriction that only allows for the release of prisoners with no more than 15 years remaining on their sentences.“There are no significant amendments that, according to Hamas leadership, warrant objection,” the senior Hamas leader said.The ceasefire proposal, aimed at halting the ongoing hostilities, has faced hurdles due to these demands. Despite the challenges, efforts to finalize the terms of the ceasefire continue as mediators work to address the concerns of both parties involved.As the negotiations proceed, the international community remains focused on finding a viable resolution to the conflict, with mediators striving to reconcile the differing positions of the involved parties.