Hamas says it “positively” views the ceasefire proposal presented by Biden

The Islamic group Hamas said on Friday (31) that it had a positive view of the content of a three-phase ceasefire proposal announced by United States President Joe Biden for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

“Hamas confirms its readiness to deal positively and constructively with any proposal that is based on a permanent ceasefire and total withdrawal [das forças israelenses] of the Gaza Strip, in the reconstruction [de Gaza] and the return of displaced people to their places, along with the fulfillment of a genuine prisoner exchange agreement if the occupation clearly announces its commitment to such an agreement,” the group said in a statement.

Hamas' position signals a change in attitude on the part of the group, which in recent months has accused the US of siding with Israel and obstructing attempts at a ceasefire.

“Hamas sees Biden's position now as more focused on pressuring Israel to return to negotiations with a different attitude, or they (Israel) may risk coming into conflict with the Americans,” a Palestinian official close to the efforts told Reuters. of mediation.

Disagreements between the American president and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the red lines in Gaza have created a potential confrontation between the two leaders, raising questions about whether the US might restrict military aid if Israel continues its offensive in the region. now devastated.

Netanyahu's office said Israel authorized negotiators to present a truce agreement in Gaza after Biden revealed details of the ceasefire plan.

Palestinian health authorities estimate that more than 36,280 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel attacked the region in response to Hamas' Oct. 7 attack in southern Israel. The Hamas attack killed around 1,200 people, according to Israeli calculations.