Hamas remains firm on its demand that Israel fully end its military assault on Gaza as a condition for the release of hostages, amid intensified negotiations mediated by Qatar and Egypt.
On Tuesday, Hamas officials reiterated that any deal to free hostages captured during the conflict must include a complete cessation of Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip and a withdrawal of Israeli troops. This stance comes as both sides participate in the most significant peace talks in months, with a deadline looming as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his inauguration on January 20.
U.S. Pressure and Trump’s Ultimatum
The outgoing U.S. administration is pushing for a resolution before President Joe Biden leaves office, viewing Trump’s upcoming inauguration as an unofficial deadline. President-elect Trump has escalated tensions by stating there will be “hell to pay” unless the hostages are freed by the time he takes office. Hamas official Osama Hamdan responded by suggesting that Trump’s remarks were rash, saying, “I think the U.S. president must make more disciplined and diplomatic statements.”
Accusations Amid Negotiations
As negotiations continue, both Hamas and Israel accuse each other of obstructing a potential deal. “Hamas is the only obstacle to the release of the hostages,” said Eden Bar Tal, director general of Israel’s foreign ministry, emphasizing Israel’s commitment to reaching an agreement. Hamas counters that Israel’s refusal to cease its military operations is the main hindrance.
Progress and Setbacks
In a significant development, a Hamas official indicated that the group had approved a list submitted by Israel of 34 hostages who could be released in an initial phase of a truce. The list reportedly includes female Israeli soldiers, as well as elderly, female, and minor-aged civilians. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that there has been no confirmation regarding the hostages’ status.
Israel has dispatched a team of mid-level officials to Qatar for talks, with reports suggesting that Mossad chief David Barnea, who has been leading negotiations, may join them. The involvement of high-ranking officials underscores the urgency and importance of the discussions.
Continued Conflict in Gaza
Despite the ongoing negotiations, the conflict continues to escalate. Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday resulted in the deaths of at least 24 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip, according to medical officials in the enclave. Strikes targeted areas in Gaza City, Khan Younis, and Jabalia, with civilians, including children, among the casualties.
The health ministry in Gaza urged international donors to supply fuel to run generators and maintain medical services, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation. Nearly 46,000 Palestinians have been killed since the Israeli assault on Gaza began, following Hamas fighters’ incursion into Israeli territory in October 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the capture of over 250 hostages, according to Israeli figures.
Military Intelligence Claims
The Israeli military reported that interrogations of 240 Palestinians detained during a raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza have yielded substantial intelligence. It released footage of a purported Hamas militant detailing how militants “operated from the hospital area” and transported weapons to and from the facility. Hamas and the Gaza health ministry have denied any armed presence at the hospital.
The Road Ahead
As the deadline approaches, the international community watches closely. The success of these negotiations could have significant implications for peace and stability in the region. Both sides face immense pressure to find common ground, but deep-seated mistrust and ongoing hostilities pose substantial challenges to achieving a lasting resolution.
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Hamas stands by demand for end to Gaza war under hostage deal
cgtn.com
