A diplomatic source familiar with the ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas has confirmed that Hamas has rejected the latest proposal in talks to reach a suspension to the hostilities in Gaza.
In its response to the mediators, Hamas has reaffirmed its position on the unrestricted right of Gazans to return north to their homes and the redeployment of Israeli troops away from central Gaza. These are demands that Hamas has stuck to and Israel has resisted.
Additionally, the diplomat mentioned that Hamas continues to argue that the second phase of an agreement should conclude with a permanent end to the fighting. Israel, on the other hand, has shown no willingness to discuss an end to the war. It was previously reported that the latest discussions in the Egyptian capital of Cairo included a new proposal from the US that Israel releases some 900 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the 40 Israeli hostages expected in the first phase of a ceasefire deal.
Hamas has signaled they are willing to discuss it positively once the other issues are addressed, according to the diplomat.
