A senior Biden administration official has revealed that Hamas is intensifying its demands in ceasefire negotiations, causing the parameters of the agreement to shift. The official stated that Hamas is now seeking greater specificity than before, which could potentially disrupt the phased approach that the proposed ceasefire is built upon.
Previously, Hamas had indicated a willingness to agree to a ceasefire deal that included a 12-week initial pause in the conflict before transitioning to a permanent ceasefire. However, this proposal would limit Israel's ability to resume military operations, making it challenging for Israel to accept the condition of automaticity for a permanent ceasefire.
The senior administration official emphasized that the ceasefire agreement's substance diminishes significantly beyond the initial phase, with subsequent phases becoming increasingly vague. The official highlighted that while the first phase is well-defined, the following phases lack detailed clarity.
Furthermore, a diplomatic source disclosed that Hamas has proposed amendments to the Israeli ceasefire offer, including a specified timeline for a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip. These amendments indicate Hamas's desire for a more structured and definitive agreement.
As negotiations continue, the evolving demands from Hamas are posing challenges to reaching a consensus on the terms of the ceasefire. The shifting goalposts and increased specificity requested by Hamas are creating complexities in the negotiation process, particularly concerning the establishment of a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
