Hamas submitted its response on Tuesday to a proposal by US President Joe Biden on May 31. Israel viewed this as a rejection, while Hamas reiterated unmet demands.
Egypt and Qatar said they had received Hamas’ response but did not disclose the contents.
Early on Wednesday, Izzat al-Rishq, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, said in a statement the group’s answer was “responsible, serious and positive” and “opens up a wide pathway” for an accord.
Another Hamas official, who declined to be identified, told Reuters on Tuesday the response reaffirmed the movement’s stance that a ceasefire must lead to a permanent end to hostilities in Gaza, withdrawal of Israeli forces, reconstruction of the Palestinian enclave and release of Palestinian prisoners in Israel.
“We reiterated our previous stance. I believe there are no big gaps. The ball is now in the Israeli courtyard,” the official said.
The United States has said Israel accepted its proposal, but Israel has not publicly stated this. As Israel has continued assaults in central and southern Gaza that are among the bloodiest of the war, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly said Israel would not commit to an end of its campaign in Gaza before Hamas is eliminated.
An Israeli official said on Tuesday the country had received Hamas’ answer via the mediators and that Hamas “changed all of the main and most meaningful parameters.”
As discussions around the Gaza ceasefire deal progress, the focus remains on ensuring the deal’s implementation and sustainability. Moreover, community engagement and support are vital for the deal’s success. Efforts to rebuild and rehabilitate Gaza will be central to the post-ceasefire phase.
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