Hamas ready for Gaza truce
Hamas has softened its position and is willing to accept a cease-fire in just the Gaza Strip, dropping a demand that the truce immediately include the West Bank, the group’s senior representatives said Tuesday.
The move marked a significant concession by Hamas as Egyptian mediators try to halt fighting between Palestinian militants and the Israeli army in Gaza. For weeks, Hamas insisted on a mutual cease-fire in both the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Hamas lawmaker Salah Bardawil said the group is now ready for a cease-fire that "will begin in Gaza, and then move to the West Bank" sometime in the future. Another senior Hamas official also confirmed the group’s new position.
Israel regularly carries out airstrikes and military incursions against Palestinian rocket squads in Hamas-controlled Gaza, a strip of land bordering southern Israel. While Israel is conducting peace talks with the rival Palestinian government in the West Bank, the Israeli army continues to carry out arrest raids in that territory as well.
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Bardawil said Hamas was willing to soften its stance to ensure the deal’s success. He said Hamas’ exiled political leader, Khaled Mashaal, agreed to the proposal, indicating that all Hamas members including its hard-line militant wing must abide by the decision.
Egyptian mediators initially suggested the proposal, Bardawil said. Negotiators planned to discuss the proposal with Egypt again on Thursday, and then the Egyptians will relay the deal to Israel, he said.
