Hamas proposed no significant changes to Gaza ceasefire deal: Official

The changes Palestinian Resistance movement Hamas requested to the US-proposed ceasefire deal to end the war on Gaza are “not significant”, a senior Hamas leader told Reuters on Thursday.

The official underlined that the main demand of the Resistance movement is the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip, which they have been voicing since the start of the Israeli invasion of Gaza.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that Hamas had suggested numerous amendments, some of which he described as “unworkable”. Blinken affirmed that mediators remain committed to bridging the gaps between the invading Israeli forces and the Resistance groups.

One of the central demands from Hamas involves the release of Palestinian prisoners. The senior Hamas leader specified that Hamas seeks the release of 100 Palestinians serving long-term sentences in Israeli jails, which would be chosen by the Resistance.

Hamas objected to the Israeli proposal’s exclusion of these 100 prisoners and the restriction that only prisoners with no more than 15 years remaining on their sentences be released.

The senior Resistance official reiterated that these points of contention are the main adjustments requested by the group.

“There are no significant amendments that, according to Hamas leadership, warrant objection,” the senior leader concluded.

Biden’s ceasefire proposal

The ceasefire proposal, announced by Biden on May 31, outlines a new three-phase plan aimed at achieving “a lasting cessation of hostilities” in the Gaza Strip and the release of all captives held by Hamas.

But what exactly does the resolution entail?

Phase one

The initial phase calls for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, the release of captives including women, the elderly, and the wounded, the return of the remains of some deceased hostages, the exchange of Palestinian prisoners, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas in Gaza.

This phase also includes the safe and efficient distribution of humanitarian aid across Gaza, ensuring that all Palestinian civilians in need receive assistance, including housing units provided by the international community.

Phase two

The second phase stipulates a permanent cessation of hostilities, conditional upon the mutual agreement of the Israeli occupation and the Palestinian Resistance. It includes the release of all remaining captives in Gaza and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the blockaded Strip.

Phase three

The final phase focuses on initiating a major multi-year reconstruction plan for Gaza and returning the remains of any deceased captives still in Gaza to their families.

Hamas welcomed the ceasefire proposal. “We welcome the contents of the Security Council resolution regarding a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, complete withdrawal, the return of displaced persons, and reconstruction.”

The Resistance group emphasized its firm stance against any demographic changes or reduction in the area of the Gaza Strip and highlighted the need for essential aid to support the people in the territory.

Hamas welcomes UN ceasefire resolution, says ready to discuss details

Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said, as quoted by Reuters on Tuesday, that the movement has agreed to a UN Security Council resolution for a ceasefire and is open to negotiating the specifics.

He also emphasized that it is the responsibility of Washington to ensure “Israel’s” compliance with the resolution.

“The US administration is facing a real test to carry out its commitments in compelling the occupation to immediately end the war in an implementation of the UN Security Council resolution,” Abu Zuhri stressed.

This comes after the United Nations Security Council on Monday adopted a resolution regarding the Gaza ceasefire proposal put forth by US President Joe Biden.