By John Ikani
Israel and Hamas were on Sunday still at odds over how to stop nearly seven months of fighting in Gaza.
The conflict has led to tens of thousands of casualties and displaced over a million Palestinians.
In Cairo, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh stated that the group seeks a comprehensive cease-fire.
This would involve ending Israeli aggression and ensuring Israel withdraws from Gaza.
Hamas would then release about 100 hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians held by Israel.”
Haniyeh blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for prolonging the aggression and hindering mediation efforts.
Negotiations for a cease-fire have been ongoing but unsuccessful.
Netanyahu, in Jerusalem, opposes any resolution that leaves Hamas in control of Gaza.
He insists on dismantling Hamas’s power to prevent future threats to Israel.
“Israel has shown willingness, but Hamas remains entrenched in extreme demands,” Netanyahu stated. “We cannot accept leaving Hamas in power, enabling their potential for further violence.”
Netanyahu has advocated for a six-week cease-fire and a prisoner exchange.
He threatens a ground offensive in Rafah, near the Gaza-Egyptian border, regardless of a cease-fire agreement.
The U.S., Israel’s main arms supplier, opposes an attack on Rafah and urges for a diplomatic solution.
In Cairo, Hamas officials continue truce discussions with Egyptian and Qatari mediators. However, progress is uncertain.
Palestinian officials in Cairo express Hamas’s willingness to negotiate but emphasize it won’t be at any cost.
CIA Director William Burns is involved in the talks, signalling U.S. support for a truce agreement.
Israel tentatively accepts terms for a prisoner exchange, but details remain undisclosed.
Israeli civilians demand a cease-fire to bring back remaining hostages.
The conflict began with a Hamas attack on southern Israel in October, resulting in casualties and hostages.
Israel’s response has led to thousands of Palestinian casualties and widespread destruction in Gaza.
As talks continue, both sides accuse each other of ongoing attacks.
Hamas claims responsibility for strikes on Israeli border crossings, disrupting humanitarian aid.
Israel blames Hamas for the attacks, exacerbating tensions.
