Hamas Demands Guarantees as Talks Stall on Phase Two
A senior Palestinian Resistance official told our reporters on Saturday that “a significant gap remains between Hamas and Israel’s proposals regarding the implementation of Phase Two” of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement in Gaza.
The official explained that “Israel insists on securing the release of around 10 living captives before engaging in negotiations for the second phase.”
Meanwhile, “Hamas maintains that clear and binding guarantees must be in place before entering negotiations for Phase Two and prior to any prisoner release,” he added.
The remarks follow Hamas’ agreement on Friday to release an Israeli soldier with American citizenship, along with the remains of four other dual nationals.
In a statement, Hamas said it had received a proposal from mediators on Thursday to resume negotiations on a ceasefire and prisoner exchange in Gaza, emphasizing that it had handled the proposal “with responsibility and positivity.”
The movement confirmed that it had submitted its response in the early hours of the morning, agreeing to “release Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, who holds US citizenship, as well as the remains of four other dual nationals.”
Hamas reaffirmed its full readiness to engage in negotiations and reach a comprehensive agreement on all issues related to Phase Two, while calling for “Israel” to be held accountable for fulfilling its commitments in full.
US proposes ‘bridge’ plan to extend Gaza ceasefire
The United States has put forward a “bridge” proposal aimed at extending the ceasefire in Gaza through April, beyond Ramadan and Passover, to provide additional time for negotiating a permanent end to the war, the White House announced in a statement on Friday.
According to a statement from their offices, the proposal was presented on Wednesday by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and National Security Council official Eric Trager.
The White House accused Hamas of making “entirely impractical demands” and stalling a deal that would see the extension of the ceasefire in Gaza in return for the release of a US-Israeli captive.
“Hamas is well aware of the deadline, and should know that we will respond accordingly if that deadline passes,” it pointed out, emphasizing Trump’s previous vows that Hamas would “pay a severe price” for not releasing the captives.
“Hamas is making a very bad bet that time is on its side. It is not,” said the statement.
The Palestinian group announced earlier on Friday that it was prepared to release an Israeli-American captive along with the remains of four others, following the resumption of indirect Gaza ceasefire talks with “Israel”.
The statement indicated that “Hamas was told in no uncertain terms that this ‘bridge’ would have to be implemented soon- and that dual US-Israeli citizen Edan Alexander would have to be released immediately,” adding, “Unfortunately, Hamas has chosen to respond by publicly claiming flexibility while privately making demands that are entirely impractical without a permanent ceasefire.”
This closely follows direct talks between Hamas and the United States, where the US envoy Adam Boehler said his meetings with Hamas were “very helpful,” as “Israel” tightens its siege on Gaza.
