Hamas ready to start ceasefire talks 'immediately' as Trump, Netanyahu set to meet | DW News

Key Concepts:

• Ceasefire proposal (60-day)
• Phased release of hostages
• Palestinian prisoners exchange
• Humanitarian aid increase
• Guarantees for non-resumption of war
• Partial withdrawal of Israeli army
• Sufficient aid quantity
• Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid points
• Permanent end of war
• US pressure on both sides

Hamas's Reaction to Ceasefire Proposal:

• Hamas has stated its readiness to immediately begin talks on the US-backed proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza.
• The proposal involves a phased release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
• Hamas views the proposal as a framework for negotiations, but significant sticking points remain.

Sticking Points in Negotiations:

• Guarantees for Non-Resumption of War: Hamas seeks assurances that the war will not resume after the ceasefire and exchange of prisoners, fearing a repeat of past situations.
• Partial Withdrawal of Israeli Army: The proposal includes a partial withdrawal of the Israeli army from the north and south of the Gaza Strip. The details of when and where this withdrawal will occur are a point of contention.
• Sufficient Aid Quantity: The US proposal mentions a "sufficient quantity of aid" to be delivered by the UN and the Red Cross during the ceasefire. Hamas demands a complete closing of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid points due to incidents of people being shot at in recent weeks.

Upcoming Meeting Between Trump and Netanyahu:

• The success of negotiations will depend on the upcoming meeting between Trump and Netanyahu in Washington.
• Key questions include whether Trump will support a permanent end to the war and guarantee such an end.
• Currently, Trump's stated goal remains the destruction of Hamas.

Aid and its Role in the Ceasefire Proposal:

• Aid is a crucial factor in the ceasefire proposal due to pressure from Palestinians.
• Palestinians view the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an Israeli-American organization with US contractors guarded by the Israeli army, as part of Israeli warfare rather than humanitarian relief.
• Virtually no aid has entered Gaza from Egypt since March.

Pressure on Both Sides:

• The increased bombing campaign and lack of aid are designed to put pressure on Hamas.
• Pictures and stories emerging from Gaza, depicting desperation, are creating an Israeli PR disaster.
• Whistleblowers, including soldiers and US contractors from the GHF points, have reported incidents of the Israeli army and US contractors shooting at aid seekers unprovoked, further increasing pressure on the Israeli side.

Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF):

• An Israeli-American organization with US contractors guarded by the Israeli army.
• Accused of being part of Israeli warfare rather than providing humanitarian relief.
• Associated with incidents of shootings at aid seekers.

Conclusion:

The proposed 60-day ceasefire in Gaza faces significant hurdles despite Hamas's initial willingness to negotiate. Key sticking points revolve around guarantees for a permanent end to the war, the specifics of the Israeli army's withdrawal, and the nature and distribution of humanitarian aid. The upcoming meeting between Trump and Netanyahu will be crucial in determining the future of the negotiations, particularly regarding US support for a permanent resolution and guarantees against the resumption of hostilities. The controversy surrounding the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) and the reports of violence against aid seekers further complicate the situation, adding pressure on both sides to address humanitarian concerns and ensure the safety of civilians.