Hamas rejects “new conditions” in proposed Gaza ceasefire deal: AFP

Hamas will not accept "new conditions" from “Israel” in a proposal put forward during talks in Doha aimed at sealing a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal, officials told AFP on Friday.

Israel's "new" conditions include keeping troops inside Gaza along its border with Egypt, an informed source said, while Hamas demands "a complete ceasefire, a complete withdrawal from the Strip, a normal return of the displaced and an exchange deal" without restrictions, the source said.

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The United States, Qatar, and Egypt issued a joint statement earlier on Friday regarding the developments in the ceasefire negotiations for Gaza.

The statement revealed that over the past 48 hours, senior officials from the three countries have been engaged in intensive discussions in Doha. Their goal was to reach an agreement on a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of captives and detainees.

The statement detailed that the negotiations had been serious and constructive. A proposal was put forward by the US, with the support of Qatar and Egypt, which aims to bridge the gaps between the conflicting parties. This proposal aligns with the principles outlined by President Biden on May 31, 2024, and adheres to Security Council Resolution 2735. It builds upon the agreements reached in the previous week and addresses the remaining issues to facilitate a quick implementation.

Technical teams from the three countries will continue to work in the coming days to finalize the details of the agreement, including humanitarian provisions and arrangements for captives. Additionally, senior officials are scheduled to meet again in Cairo before the end of next week to finalize the deal based on the terms presented.

The statement underscored the urgency of the situation, stressing that no further delays are acceptable. It called for the immediate release of captives, the initiation of the ceasefire, and the swift implementation of the agreement. The statement also emphasized that this process is crucial for saving lives, delivering relief to Gaza, and easing regional tensions.