Hamas says it responded to US envoy Witkoff’s proposal
The Palestinian group says it replied to US special envoy Steve Witkoff’s latest proposal through mediators.
“This proposal aims to achieve a permanent ceasefire, a comprehensive withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and ensure the flow of aid to our people,” a statement on Telegram said.
“As part of this agreement, 10 living Israeli prisoners held by the resistance will be released and 18 bodies will be returned, in exchange for an agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners.”
Again a different version of the ceasefire proposal than all the ones being reported on. At least there's still back and forth going on.
Even though Israel is likely to obstruct, violate and break the ceasefire yet again, a 60 day pause will bring more of the total destruction and starvation into view. As well as give time to somewhat heal the wounded and collect the dead. That should at least make it harder to resume the war.
Netanyahu is likely banking on that he will have full support
Hamas says it responded to US envoy Witkoff’s proposal
The Palestinian group says it replied to US special envoy Steve Witkoff’s latest proposal through mediators.
“This proposal aims to achieve a permanent ceasefire, a comprehensive withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and ensure the flow of aid to our people,” a statement on Telegram said.
“As part of this agreement, 10 living Israeli prisoners held by the resistance will be released and 18 bodies will be returned, in exchange for an agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners.”
A different version of the ceasefire again, or rather the earlier one Hamas cited before. At least the back and forth is still going and at this point they might as well take it even though Israel is likely to obstruct, violate and break the ceasefire again. (If they have actually agreed at all)
Even though Israel is likely to obstruct, violate and break the ceasefire again, a 60 day pause will bring more of the total destruction and starvation into view. A 60 day pause will give the wounded a chance to somewhat recover, will bring out many more images of the total destruction and ongoing famine and gives time to collect the dead and estimate the real death count. It will all make it harder for Israel to resume the war again.
Netanyahu is likely banking on full support at home to come back after taking the POWs out of the equation. Which is possible since that will reduce Israeli protests a lot. They're mainly driven for the hostages, not to stop the genocide nor ethnic cleansing. Plus the IDF needs a break, overextended as it is.
However the focus will also shift back a bit to the West bank and outside criticism will continue to ramp up. Plus the 'hostage' card can then not be used anymore as 'defense' to keep the genocide and ethnic cleansing going.
It all depends on whether Hamas believes the role of the POWs has taken its course.
