The head of Hamas’s political bureau said Wednesday that the Palestinian group is sticking to its demand for a permanent ceasefire and withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza as a condition for a hostage deal.
“We are committed to our demands: the permanent ceasefire, comprehensive and complete withdrawal of the enemy out of the Gaza Strip, the return of all displaced people to their homes, allowing all aid needed for our people in Gaza, rebuilding the Strip, lifting the blockade and achieving an honorable prisoner exchange deal,” said Ismail Haniyeh, who is based in Qatar.
Also on Wednesday, Qatar said one of the main sticking points in indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas is the issue of displaced Palestinians being able to return to their homes.
Israel has repeatedly rejected Hamas’s condition for a permanent ceasefire, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made clear any truce that comes with a hostage exchange would only be temporary as he’s vowing to invade the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
As time goes on, more and more Israeli hostages in Gaza are dying. Haaretz reported last week that Israel believes only 60 to 70 Israeli hostages in Gaza are alive out of the 134 people and bodies that are being held in the Strip. The report also quoted Israeli officials who said Netanyahu was purposely sabotaging hostage deal negotiations.
A permanent ceasefire is only the first step towards ending the conflict;
Likud would do well to accept the Arabs generous offer of a lasting and secure Peace based on the 1967 (242) lines. (It’s unclear how UNR 194 comes into play) Israelis deserve peace and security.
242 is a much better offer than 181.
Only who gets Jerusalem?
UNR 194 spells out how clean legal title to property can be organized. UNR194 doesn’t address 70+ years of interest plus past due rents but that can all be part of negotiations. Fortunately, $200 Billion of Israeli Central Bank Reserves are at hand to help fulfill international law as per UNR194 .
Yes,the Arab nations should pay reparations and interest to the Jewish people they evicted from their midst during the past 70 years. Since King David built Jerusalem, much rents are due to the people of Israel. Libya , and Iraq can turn over their oil revenues to Israel. The Palestinians can pay reparations for all the Israeli civilians they have murdered. See how easy it is to spend other peoples money? All welfare payments to illegal and legal immigrants should be ended and all laws enforced on them,as on others. All US citizens on welfare should be required to work off their payments through work.
I can venture a guess that you do not know about the Jewish community in Iran. I have spoken to Americans who have friends who have been to Iran.
I have spoken to a Bahai in the US-all her relatives have been disappeared.
Jake,
You keep whining how unfair International Law is. Stop being a crybaby and accept UNR 194. its the Law
What law school did you graduate from? Thoreau said unfair laws are to be resisted. Nazi Germany also had laws-a few resisted. I never said that any laws are unfair-you are putting words in my mouth.
Jake – arguing that the international law is equal to Fascist Germany might not be a good argument, try again.
And the present situation is better than 242 or 181 or 194 or any other UN ideas.
Wow ?
Does the Likud have a Masada complex ? Does the Likud harbor a wish to recreate Masada ?
A permanent ceasefire would remove the “defending itself” bullshit. Can’t have that.
Bibi wants his bagel and eat it too. Hostages. Then kill the rest of the Palestinians. The 7,000 hostages in jails in Israel?
Palestinians who do not have blood on their hands should be released. By the way,is eating bacon better than eating bagels?