More details on latest Gaza ceasefire proposal
Mediators presented a new ceasefire proposal to Hamas and Israel that would include a six-week pause in fighting and a swap of 40 Hamas-held captives for at least 700 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.
The proposal was presented to delegations from Hamas and Israel during the latest round of negotiations in Cairo over the weekend, according to Egyptian officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Hamas would be required to provide a list of the captives it will release, as well as a list of Palestinian prisoners whose freedom it seeks. The proposal also includes the return of “a significant number” of Palestinians to northern Gaza.
The proposal stipulates that Israel gradually dismantle checkpoints it built on a new road that split the strip in half to prevent the return of Palestinians to the north.
Israeli PM not interested in deal ‘any time soon’
Mahjoob Zweiri, director of the Gulf Studies Center at Qatar University, says it’s become apparent to Israel’s Western allies and even within the country that Netanyahu has no interest in reaching a deal “any time soon”.
“He wants more time, he wants to go to Rafah, he wants to have something he has failed to achieve so far,” Zweiri told Al Jazeera. “He and the right wing need individuals, they need names – they talk about [Hamas leaders Yahya] Sinwar and [Mohammed] Deif, and none of this has been achieved.”
Zweiri said as long as this continues, the Israeli prime minister’s stance will remain the same out of “self-interest” to preserve his political future.
“Everyone knows, but the issue is whether the international community accept this, will accept to see more killing and more destruction
for someone who is irresponsible politically and immorally is waging war on civilians.”
Israel says ‘date set’ for Rafah invasion amid ongoing truce talks
In a video statement in Hebrew, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his position that a ground operation in Rafah – a city in southern city where more than 1.5 million displaced Palestinians are sheltering – is essential for victory in the war.
“It will happen. There is a date,” he said without elaborating.
Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zahry told Al Jazeera that Netanyahu’s remarks “raise questions about the purpose of resuming negotiations” as talks on a potential truce are held in Cairo.
“The success of any negotiations depends on ending the aggression.”
‘No force in the world’ can stop us from invading Rafah, Netanyahu says
Israel will proceed with its goal of eliminating all of Hamas’s brigades, including in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, the prime minister says. “There is no force in the world that will stop us. There are many forces that are trying to do so, but it will not help since this enemy, after what it did, will never do it again,” Netanyahu said.
Israel’s military said four Hamas brigades continue to operate in Rafah, where about 1.5 million displaced Palestinians are sheltering. Critics of Netanyahu’s Rafah attack plan warn it will end in “catastrophe” for the civilian population.
