A proposal for a short ceasefire in the Gaza Strip negotiated in recent days between representatives of Israel, the US and Qatar has been rejected by the militant Islamist Palestinian organization Hamas. The proposal “does not imply a permanent cessation of aggression, nor does it lead to a withdrawal of the Israeli army from the Gaza Strip or the return of the displaced persons,” a member of the Hamas Politburo said on Friday.
The proposal provided for an increase in aid deliveries and a partial exchange of prisoners. A “short-lived” ceasefire lasting “less than a month” was proposed during talks between Mossad chief David Barnea, CIA Director William Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani that ended on Monday, the news agency said AFP heard from negotiating circles on Wednesday.
Last ceasefire in November of the previous year
Qatar and Egypt, together with the US, are important mediators in the indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Since the start of the Gaza war, which was triggered by Hamas’ major attack on Israel over a year ago, mediators have been trying to reach an agreement between the warring parties. After the only ceasefire to date last November, which lasted a week and saw the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, negotiations made no significant progress in the following months.
Despite increased US efforts to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, Israel continued its attacks on Friday. According to medical experts, more than sixty Palestinians were killed and dozens of others injured in the Gaza Strip alone within 24 hours on Friday.
Lebanese Prime Minister: “Israel wants to kill and destroy”
In the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital Beirut, journalists from the Reuters news agency counted at least ten attacks this morning. It was the first bombing of the area in almost a week. There were also attacks on suspected Hezbollah targets in other parts of the country. Lebanon’s acting Prime Minister Najib Mikati accused Israel of being stubborn in its efforts to calm the situation. Israel rejects the proposed solutions and insists on “tackling murder and destruction.”
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
