Hamas Responds to Ceasefire Proposal: Release of Hostages in Exchange for Ending Conflicts in Gaza

The militant group Hamas has reacted to a three-phase proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza put forward by the United States, Israel, Qatar, and Egypt. Hamas states that it will release all remaining hostages in Gaza in exchange for the freedom of hundreds of Palestinians in Israeli prisons, including senior militants, and in exchange for the end of the war in Gaza. According to Reuters, Hamas's three-phase ceasefire plan includes a 135-day period. Currently, about 130 hostages out of more than 250 taken by Hamas on October 7 are in the hands of the militants supported by the Islamic Republic. Hamas's response indicates that it effectively wants to maintain power in Gaza and find an opportunity to rebuild its military capabilities. Following Hamas's terrorist attack on southern Israel, the country's leaders have repeatedly rejected the idea of Hamas's presence in Gaza. Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden stated that Hamas's request is 'a bit much' but mentioned that negotiations are ongoing. In response to Hamas's reply, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Israeli leaders on Wednesday. He is on his fifth trip to the region since the war began in Gaza, trying to advance ceasefire negotiations while also pressuring for a broader resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli issue after the war, which includes normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel in exchange for a 'clear' path to establishing a Palestinian state. The ongoing war began after Hamas's attack on southern Israel on October 7, which killed over 1,200 people, most of whom were civilians, and involved the taking of 250 hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly stated that the war will continue until Hamas is destroyed, achieving complete victory and the return of all remaining hostages. Regarding the possibility of an agreement with Hamas for the release of Israeli hostages, he said, 'We will not agree to any agreement at any price.' According to the Health Ministry of Hamas's government in Gaza, the war has left over 27,000 dead in Gaza and has leveled many neighborhoods. Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields. The Israeli army stated: 'We have destroyed Hamas's rocket production facility; fighting in Gaza continues.' Speculation about a potential 'deal' for the release of hostages continues; Israel and the U.S. are reviewing Hamas's response. Blinken in Doha: The Islamic Republic is a supporter of proxies opposed to peace in the region. The official position of Saudi Arabia: Relations with Israel are off the table without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. The representative of the Islamic Republic at the United Nations confirmed the arming of Palestinian groups but denied sending weapons to the Houthis.