After reports suggest possible softening in hostage talks, Hamas denies agreeing to US proposal for ceasefire
US government refutes knowledge of any agreement by Hamas
Reports over the last few days suggest that the Hamas terrorist organization could be softening its position in hostage talks after Qatar reportedly threatened to expel some of the group’s leaders living in the country.
However, following a report in the Saudi newspaper Al Arabiya on Tuesday stating Hamas had accepted a modified version of the U.S. proposal for a six-week ceasefire, the group released a statement denying the claim.
“There is no truth to the news published by Al-Arabiya attributed to a 'senior Hamas source' about the movement receiving an international offer for an extended ceasefire in Gaza, the gradual return of the displaced, or a delegation heading to Cairo to discuss the details,” the group said in a statement.
“We ask that the media ensure accuracy and credibility in reporting the news, and not manipulate the feelings of our people who are being subjected to a Zionist aggression and a Nazi war of extermination,” the statement continued.
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U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan appeared to verify Hamas’ statement. While speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Sullivan said the U.S. is still working to achieve a six-week ceasefire to include the release of 40 Israeli hostages, mostly women, children, and those with medical conditions.
“We will stay at it. We are determined to try to generate a ceasefire with the hostages coming out and then build on it for something more enduring,” Sullivan said.
He further noted that the U.S. has “encouraged Israel to stay at the table, stay engaged because we believe there still is scope for this deal to get done.”
Sullivan urged the “voices around the world to call on Hamas to step up to do their part to release innocent women, wounded and elderly hostages as a first step and then we can move from there.”
However, Biden's security advisor denied knowledge of any progress on the deal or softening on the part of Hamas.
“If there is an offer from Hamas to start releasing prisoners as part of a ceasefire, that would be welcome news,” he said.
Earlier, Sullivan appeared to blame Hamas for blocking progress on a ceasefire deal.
“A ceasefire is on the table today, for six weeks to be built on into something more enduring if Hamas would simply release women, wounded and elderly,” Sullivan told reporters at the press briefing.
“And the fact that they will not do so says a lot to me about Hamas’s regard for innocent Palestinian civilians,” he added.
The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
