CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Uncertainty still prevailed over the ceasefire proposal mooted by the US with regard to the Israel-Hamas war after the militant group reportedly sought some amendments to the proposal, stating that their priority was to bring a ‘complete stop’ to the war.
Hamas submitted its formal response on Tuesday to Egyptian and Qatari mediators to the proposal outlined by U.S. President Joe Biden on May 31.
Though the mediators did not reveal the details of Hamas’s response, Hamas political bureau Izzat al-Rishq said on Wednesday in a statement the group’s answer was “responsible, serious and positive” and “opens up a wide pathway” for an accord.
Hamas spokesperson Jihad Taha too claimed the response included “amendments that confirm the ceasefire, withdrawal, reconstruction and prisoner exchange.”
Though the United States has said Israel accepted its proposal, Netanyahu has not publicly acknowledged this. However, Hamas’s response has elicited a reaction from Israel, which stated that the militant group’s response was tantamount to a rejection. An Israeli official told Reuters on Tuesday the country had received Hamas’ answer from the mediators and that Hamas “changed all of the main and most meaningful parameters.” The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Hamas “has rejected the proposal for a hostage release that was presented by President Biden.
