ALBAWABA - It was stated by the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) that they are prepared to participate in a long-term ceasefire with Israel.
For the purpose of putting an end to the current conflict in Gaza, they proposed a five-year ceasefire as well as a comprehensive prisoner exchange agreement. It was stated by Al Jazeera that the statement was made at the same time as Egyptian mediators were meeting with Hamas officials in Cairo to discuss attempts to establish a full ceasefire.
Tahir Al-Nunu, who serves as the media adviser to the Chief of the Hamas Political Bureau, has acknowledged that the movement is willing to negotiate a ceasefire. However, he has highlighted that disarmament is not an option at this time. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Al-Nunu claimed that Hamas would take into consideration genuine offers aimed at bringing an end to the conflict; nonetheless, regardless of the circumstances, the organization would not give up its weapons. He referred to these weapons as "a red line" for the resistance so long as the Israeli occupation continues.
Hamas is reportedly seeking backing from mediators for their offer, which suggests a ceasefire duration between five and seven years, along with the restoration of Gaza and a wide prisoner exchange, according to sources close to the discussions who spoke to Reuters. Despite this, Israel continues to insist on the complete release of captives as well as the disarming of Hamas and other groups, which is a demand that Hamas has categorically refused.
A meeting between Hamas officials and Egyptian officials is scheduled to take place today in Cairo, according to Al Jazeera. The Hamas delegation will be headed by senior official Khalil Al-Hayya. A source inside Hamas who spoke with AFP said that there was not yet a formal ceasefire plan that had been formally filed by Saturday morning. However, major ideas had been discussed during previous sessions with mediators.
However, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to be very precarious. Al Jazeera received reports from Palestinian sources that Israeli soldiers carried out demolition operations in communities located in the eastern part of Gaza City. These districts included Shuja'iyya and Tuffah. The Israeli military is continuing its ground gains while also preventing the flow of supplies that is desperately needed into the war-torn Strip.
It has been over 2,000 Palestinians who have been murdered and about 4,500 who have been wounded since the beginning of hostilities on March 18. Since October 7, 2023, the overall number of victims has reached 51,495 killed and 117,524 injured, according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, which validated the information.
