Hamas rejects Israel’s ‘new conditions’ in Doha cease-fire talks
A man reacts as Palestinians search for casualties a day after Israeli strikes on houses in Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, Nov. 1, 2023. (Reuters Photo)
Officials told AFP on Friday that Hamas would not accept “new conditions” put forward by Israel at talks in Doha aimed at securing a ceasefire in the Gaza war and the release of hostages.
Hamas has rejected Israel’s “new conditions” proposed during ceasefire negotiations in Doha, officials confirmed on Friday. The conditions include maintaining Israeli troops inside Gaza near the Egyptian border. Hamas, however, demands a complete ceasefire, a full withdrawal from Gaza, and the return of displaced people along with an unrestricted prisoner exchange deal.
‘Urgency to secure hostages’
Israel also seeks the right to veto prisoners in the exchange and deport some instead of returning them to Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized to U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin the urgency of securing the release of hostages held in Gaza, describing it as both a moral and strategic priority.
Since Hamas’s October 7 attack, which led to 251 people being taken hostage, 111 remain in Gaza, with the Israeli military stating that 39 of them are deceased. Israel’s military response has resulted in over 40,000 deaths in Gaza, according to local health authorities.
