Disarmament of Hamas required for ceasefire talks, Israel says

Israel has signalled its willingness to enter negotiations for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza during a proposed 60-day truce, according Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as reported by The Arab plus agencies on July 11th.

Speaking in a video message from Washington, Netanyahu stated that Israel’s “fundamental conditions” were that Hamas must lay down its arms and lose all governing and military capabilities. “If this can be achieved through negotiations, great. If not, we will achieve this through other means,” he said.

While some officials remain optimistic that a ceasefire deal is close, ongoing sticking points continue to delay an agreement. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said: “Progress has been made,” but added that resolving all complex issues could take several more days.

Among the unresolved matters is the number of Palestinian prisoners to be released in exchange for hostages held in Gaza.

Hamas has reportedly agreed to release 10 of the 20 surviving captives taken during the October 7th 2023, attack. Eighteen bodies of hostages are also expected to be handed over as part of the deal.

However, Hamas is demanding guarantees for lasting peace, an end to Israeli occupation, and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces. The group has also rejected any Israeli control over key areas such as Rafah and the Morag Corridor.

Meanwhile, Israeli strikes continue across Gaza on July 10th, with 52 Palestinians reportedly killed. Despite multiple rounds of indirect talks in Doha and Cairo since January, efforts to secure a lasting end to the conflict have so far failed.

The Arab Weekly plus agencies, AFP