Hamas has agreed to a U.S. proposal to start talks on releasing Israeli hostages, including soldiers and men. This decision came 16 days after the first phase of an agreement aimed at ending the Gaza war. A senior source from Hamas shared this information on Saturday, requesting anonymity due to the private nature of the talks.
Previously, Hamas had insisted that Israel commit to a permanent ceasefire before signing any agreement. However, they have now dropped this demand. Instead, they are willing to allow negotiations to aim for a ceasefire during the first six-week phase of the agreement.
A Palestinian official involved in the international peace efforts mentioned that if Israel accepts the proposal, it could lead to a framework agreement. This agreement would aim to end the nine-month-long conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The war has caused significant loss of life, with over 38,000 Palestinians reported dead by Gaza health officials.
The conflict began on October 7 when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israeli cities. This attack resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the taking of approximately 250 hostages. Since then, the situation has been tense and violent.
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The proposal put forth ensures several crucial elements. Mediators would guarantee a temporary ceasefire while the indirect talks continue. In addition, there would be arrangements for aid delivery and the withdrawal of Israeli troops. These measures aim to facilitate the implementation of the second phase of the agreement.
The acceptance of the U.S. proposal by Hamas is seen as a significant step towards peace. It opens the door for further negotiations and the possibility of a lasting resolution to the ongoing conflict. The international community is closely watching these developments, hoping for a positive outcome that will bring an end to the violence and suffering in the region.
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