Hamas Demands Permanent Ceasefire for Hostage Agreement

The main obstacle to reaching an agreement for the release of hostages is the Palestinian radical movement Hamas's demand for a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire. This was reported by the Times of Israel, citing sources.

Two of the publication’s sources indicated that Hamas is requesting guarantees of a ceasefire from the Israeli authorities. In contrast, the Israeli side has only proposed a six-week truce in the first phase of the suggested deal. During this period, Israel and Hamas are expected to negotiate the terms of the second phase, which would include a permanent ceasefire.

Although the Israeli proposal allows for the extension of the six-week truce to continue negotiations, Hamas is concerned that this temporary limitation will provide the Israeli side with a pretext to resume military operations and disrupt the agreement.