Hamas Rejects US Proposal, Saying It 'Aligns With' Netanyahu's Demands

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Facts

  • Hamas rejected on Sunday a cease-fire proposal put forward by the US, as it claimed that the framework doesn't include a permanent cease-fire or comprehensive Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. Hamas alleged the proposal 'aligns with' conditions added by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.[1]
  • US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in his ninth trip to Israel since the war began, met with Netanyahu on Monday to discuss the negotiations. Netanyahu described the meeting as 'positive' and 'conducted in good spirit.' In contrast, Hamas has said that progress in negotiations is an 'illusion.'[2]
  • Netanyahu reportedly told Blinken that Israel will send its negotiating team to Cairo later this week for further negotiations. Blinken also sat down with Pres. Isaac Herzog and Defense Secretary Yoav Gallant on Monday as part of his visit.[3]
  • Blinken described the current round of negotiations as 'maybe the last' chance to secure a cease-fire and the release of Israeli hostages. Blinken also said he was working toward de-escalating regional tensions.[4]
  • Meanwhile, after a bomb attack in Tel Aviv on Sunday killed the bomber and wounded one other person, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) said that suicide bombings 'will return to the forefront' while the war in Gaza continues. Israeli authorities said the bomber's explosives detonated prematurely.[5]
  • In Gaza, Israeli forces on Monday advanced north of Khan Younis, reaching the coastal road and cutting off the city from the north of the strip, according to residents. Clashes were also reported, with Israeli strikes targeting Gaza City's suburbs.[6]

Sources: [1]Axios, [2]BBC News, [3]Timesofisrael, [4]Al Jazeera, [5]Reuters (a) and [6]Reuters (b).

Narratives

  • Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by POLITICO. With the clock ticking, the US and its allies are confident that after some tough negotiating, a deal between Israel and Hamas can be reached. A guaranteed end to the war will ensure increased humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave, the release of Israeli hostages, and create a better 'day after' in Gaza without Hamas in power. The US will continue to work toward closing the gaps and ensuring that peace and stability can be restored to the region.
  • Pro-Israel narrative, as provided by Jerusalem Post. Military pressure has only improved Israel's position in negotiations, and all the signs indicate that it can achieve its war goals with enough time and determination. Though Israel will do what it must to free those taken hostage in Gaza, it can't rush into a deal that creates a lifeline for Hamas. Israel will stand by its principles and ensure its security.
  • Pro-Palestine narrative, as provided by Middle East Eye. There's no indication that a cease-fire is on the horizon. Netanyahu has consistently sought to escalate the situation and prolong his political career, and, to make matters worse, the US is purposefully stalling for time and supporting Netanyahu's new demands. Indeed, the US has supported Israel every step of the way, including in its genocidal campaign in Gaza.

Predictions