Hamas maintained its stance on a ceasefire agreement and hostage exchange with Israel on Wednesday, following the United States’ statement that ceasefire discussions in Cairo were under Hamas’ control.
Present in Cairo for negotiations are representatives from Hamas, Qatar, and Egypt, with Israel notably absent. Their aim is to broker a 40-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza before the onset of Ramadan next week.
President Joe Biden urged Hamas to accept the proposed terms, stating that Israel was cooperating and a reasonable offer had been made, linking the ceasefire to the release of Israeli hostages.
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Biden remarked to reporters, “It’s in the hands of Hamas right now. If we get to the circumstance that it [fighting] continues to Ramadan … it’s gonna be very dangerous.”
Hamas affirmed its commitment to the Cairo talks but insisted on a ceasefire before releasing hostages, demanding Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the return of displaced Gazans to their homes.
“We are demonstrating the necessary flexibility to achieve a comprehensive cessation of aggression against our people, but Israel is still avoiding the terms of this agreement,” stated Hamas in a released statement.
Israel refrained from participating in the Cairo talks due to Hamas’ refusal to provide a list of living hostages. Hamas argued that this was unfeasible without a ceasefire, as hostages are dispersed across the conflict zone.
Israeli airstrikes persisted in Gaza, exacerbating the dire humanitarian situation, with residents reporting explosions overnight and mounting casualties.
Efforts to secure a deal before Ramadan are heightened due to the historically increased violence during the fasting month. The proposed agreement involves the release of some hostages, increased aid to Gaza to avert famine, and the provision of a comprehensive list of hostages held by Hamas.
The United States revised its stance, backing an immediate six-week ceasefire in Gaza along with the release of all hostages, indicating a shift in approach toward easing the humanitarian crisis.
Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron expressed impatience over the suffering in Gaza, emphasizing the need for urgent action to address the situation.
Reports emerged of a 15-year-old girl dying from dehydration and malnutrition in a Gaza hospital, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian intervention.
