Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari confirmed on Thursday that Hamas has not yet provided a response to the latest ceasefire proposal, indicating that the group is still evaluating the terms. Al-Ansari mentioned that mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States are actively engaged in efforts to facilitate a resolution.
The ongoing talks, aimed at brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas amid the Gaza conflict, have not shown any breakthroughs, according to two Egyptian security sources.
Discussions commenced following a meeting in Doha on Wednesday, where CIA director William Burns met with senior officials from Qatar and Egypt to discuss a ceasefire proposal publicly endorsed by U.S. President Joe Biden last week. Biden characterized the plan as an Israeli initiative with a three-phase approach.
However, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh’s recent statement appears to challenge the proposed truce. Haniyeh indicated that Hamas would insist on a permanent resolution to the conflict, including an Israeli withdrawal, as part of any ceasefire agreement.
Efforts to secure a ceasefire have faced obstacles since a brief week-long truce in November. Hamas remains steadfast in its demand for a lasting end to hostilities, while Israel has expressed willingness to consider temporary pauses until Hamas is decisively defeated.
The conflict escalated after Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, resulting in casualties and capturing hostages, as per Israeli accounts.
Sources By Agencies
