Jerusalem: The Palestinian resistance group Hamas has accepted the proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, but Israel has not yet made a decision on the ceasefire. According to international media reports, Hamas has agreed to a ceasefire proposal from Qatar and Egypt, expressing its willingness to withdraw from the fighting.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has informed Qatar and Egypt of their acceptance of the ceasefire proposal after 7 months of fighting. In a statement issued by Hamas, it was revealed that Ismail Haniyeh informed Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani and Egyptian intelligence minister Abbas Kamel about their acceptance of the ceasefire proposal from both countries.
However, the conditions of the ceasefire have not yet been disclosed, and while speaking to AFP, the Israeli defense minister stated that they are not considering any ceasefire until the recovery of their last missing soldier and will do whatever is necessary for the safety of their citizens. He stated that Rafah is a secure and strong stronghold of Hamas that needs to be eliminated. It should be noted that Israeli forces had given an ultimatum for leaving the city to the residents of Rafah a day before a large-scale operation.
Ceasefire agreement has three stages, says Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya
Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya confirmed to Al Jazeera that the ceasefire agreement has three stages, but he also mentioned that the mediators have informed Hamas that the American president is determined to ensure implementation of the agreement, but America has neither confirmed nor denied the role in the agreement.
Al-Hayya further stated that in the first stage, the return of homeless Palestinians to their homes in Gaza, relief aid in Gaza, fuel and humanitarian supplies will be facilitated. In addition, in exchange for every Israeli soldier, 50 Palestinian prisoners will be released.
He mentioned that in the second stage, Palestinian prisoners and captive men will be released by Israel, and in the third stage, the implementation of projects for the reconstruction of war-torn areas will commence for a period of three to five years.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas welcomes the ceasefire
According to the Palestinian government agency WAFA, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed hope that the Israeli government will stop the fighting in Gaza and withdraw. The ceasefire in Gaza is the top priority from the first day.
Mahmoud Abbas reiterated his demand to the international community to put pressure on Israel and end the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands, stating that action on this matter has become imperative.
Avoid attacks on Rafah, says America
Matthew Miller of the US State Department once again put pressure on Netanyahu to avoid attacks on Rafah by Israel, stating that in such a situation, the war could escalate.
Miller said, “America will not support operations in Rafah, there is no credible plan to protect 1.5 million civilians in the city.” The US State Department spokesperson also expressed concern over the violation of the ceasefire in Rafah by Israeli forces, and on the ceasefire by Hamas, he stated that any action on Rafah by Israel would be unnecessary, and we have not supported it before either.
Now the ball is in Israel’s court, says Iranian Foreign Minister
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian contacted Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and agreed on the ceasefire proposal, stating that now the ball is in Israel’s court.
He referred to the discussion with Ismail Haniyeh and said that Hamas has accepted the ceasefire proposal presented by Egypt and Qatar, under which the Israeli forces will prevent attacks, exchange prisoners, and end the blockade.
The Iranian Foreign Minister said that Hamas has declared acceptance of the ceasefire proposal, after which the ball is in Israel’s court, and our full support and sympathies are with the people of Palestine.
It should be clear that as a result of ongoing hostilities in Gaza and other areas of Palestine for the past seven months, almost 35,000 people have been martyred, including over 15,000 children and over 10,000 women.