Hamas announced today that it is considering a new proposal for a renewed ceasefire in Gaza and the return of hostages, its political leader said, but stressed that his priority is the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
In a statement, Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas’ political bureau, received the proposal at a meeting in Paris over the weekend that included officials from Israel, Egypt, Qatar and the United States.
Hamas “is in the process of studying and submitting an answer on the basis that the priority is to stop the aggression, the brutal attack on Gaza and the complete withdrawal of the occupying forces from the Strip,” the statement said.
Israel has repeatedly reiterated that it will not accept an indefinite cessation of hostilities.
Earlier, negotiators in Paris this weekend agreed to a broad framework for the release of hostages and a potential ceasefire in the war between Hamas and Israel, according to an official familiar with the talks.