A spokesperson for Hamas’ armed wing, Abu Ubaida, announced on Friday that the group remains in favor of an interim truce in the Gaza war. However, if current negotiations fail to yield an agreement, Hamas may shift its position and demand a full package deal to end the conflict entirely.
In a televised speech, Abu Ubaida reiterated Hamas’ willingness to release all hostages in exchange for a permanent ceasefire — a proposal that he claims Israel has repeatedly rejected.
Mediators Push 60-Day Ceasefire Amid Hostage Deal and Stalled Israeli Response
Mediators from Qatar and Egypt, with backing from the United States, have facilitated over ten days of negotiations centered around a U.S.-proposed 60-day ceasefire. These talks aim to halt the ongoing war in Gaza, which has devastated the region.
Israeli officials have not provided public responses, partly due to the timing of the Jewish Sabbath. Nevertheless, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed to Pope Leo that Hamas has yet to reciprocate Israel’s efforts toward a temporary truce and hostage deal.
The proposed truce would include the phased return of 10 hostages and the bodies of 18 others over 60 days. In return, Israel would release a number of detained Palestinians. The framework seeks to build confidence between the two sides and create space for further negotiations.
However, Abu Ubaida warned that if Israel does not cooperate in this round of talks, Hamas may withdraw its proposal and push for broader, non-incremental demands.
Stalemate Persists Amid Disputes Over Troop Withdrawal, Aid, and War Termination Terms
Talks have stumbled over critical issues, including the map and timeline of Israeli troop withdrawals from Gaza, systems for humanitarian aid delivery, and assurances that any temporary truce would evolve into a permanent end to hostilities.
Two Hamas officials told Reuters that no breakthrough had been achieved so far. While Hamas insists any deal must lead to a definitive end to the war, Netanyahu maintains that the war will continue until Hamas is fully disarmed and its leaders are removed from Gaza.
The war has exacted a heavy toll on both sides. Gaza health authorities report over 58,600 Palestinian deaths since the onset of the Israeli campaign. On the Israeli side, nearly 1,650 people, including around 1,200 killed during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, have died. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, the urgency for a negotiated solution grows, though political and strategic gaps between the two parties remain wide.
