Hamas announced it would not hold public ceremonies for the handover of hostages like those during a brief truce in January, as it considers a fresh ceasefire proposal brokered by the US. The statement came after renewed diplomatic efforts to bring about an end to the war in Gaza that has lasted for almost two years.
As The New York Times reported, Hamas reaffirmed it would steer clear of the hosting or broadcasting of official exchanges, such as the contentious speeches hostage civilians made under the last ceasefire. That exercise was condemned by the global community for its fake-like character.
US-Led Truce Talks Gain Momentum
Earlier during the week, US President Donald Trump announced that Israel had embraced a new ceasefire offer and called on Hamas to do the same in order to put an end to the extended violence that has claimed thousands of lives.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar indicated hope for the recent diplomatic efforts. “There are positive developments. But our aim is to initiate proximity talks as quickly as possible,” Saar indicated while speaking to reporters.
In the meantime, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu adopted an even tougher line. “We will release all our hostages, and we will destroy Hamas. It will no longer exist,” Netanyahu stated, reaffirming Israel’s double objectives of liberating hostages and destroying Hamas.
Hamas Examines Proposal with Prudence
Hamas, in turn, put out a statement admitting that it is considering the most recent ceasefire conditions “to find an agreement that ensures stopping the aggression, securing the withdrawal (of Israeli troops from Gaza) and providing our people in the Gaza Strip urgently.”
One Palestinian official who is well-acquainted with the current negotiations said the recent offer is similar to the previous ones.
“There are no substantive differences in the new offer,” the official stated.
The negotiated deal has a 60-day period of ceasefire, whereupon half of the still living Israeli hostages in Gaza would be released by Hamas. Israel, in return, would release Palestinian detainees.
Stakes of the Deal and Remaining Hostages
The Israeli military estimates that of the 251 people who were held hostage in the October 2023 attack, 49 are still thought to be in Gaza. Of these, 27 are assumed killed.
The lack of public rituals this time reflects a more low-key and possibly more collaborative mood from Hamas, as much as anything, a response to universal criticism of the January ceremony and the gravity of still-pending negotiations.
Both sides are coming under increasing pressure from external and internal actors alike to reach a durable settlement as negotiations continue.