A top Hamas official told AFP on Sunday that the Palestinian were ready to discuss a hostage deal and an end to the Gaza war without a “complete and permanent ceasefire” as Israel reaffirmed its tough negotiating stance.
The apparent easing of the Hamas position comes amid renewed mediation efforts by Qatar and Egypt to tempt the rivals into talks to halt nine months of conflict and secure a deal to release hostages held by Hamas and prisoners detained by Israel.
“Hamas had previously required that Israel agree to a complete and permanent ceasefire,” the official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of negotiations.
Hamas says it’s waiting for Israeli response on Gaza ceasefire proposal
“This step was by-passed, as the mediators pledged that as long as the prisoner negotiations continued, the ceasefire would continue,” he added.
Israel has previously strongly opposed Hamas demands for a permanent ceasefire, officials said.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made the destruction of Hamas and the return of all hostages the central aim of Israel’s military campaign after the October 7 attacks that started the war.
On Sunday his office said that, “Any deal will allow Israel to return and fight until all the goals of the war are achieved.”
It added: “Israel will maximise the number of live hostages that will be returned from Hamas captivity.”
US President Joe Biden outlined a plan on May 31, that he said was proposed by Israel and promised “a roadmap to an enduring ceasefire and the release of all hostages”.
An Israeli negotiator went to Doha for talks with the mediators on Friday. Israel said there are still “gaps” in counter-proposals made by Hamas but that the negotiator would return to Doha this week.
The United States has been working closely with Qatar and Egypt and an official with knowledge of the mediation said US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director William Burns would go to Qatar this week.
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