Israeli PM says Hamas ceasefire proposal is 'illusory'

Hamas has proposed a three-phase, four-and-a-half-month ceasefire, in which all hostages would be freed, Israel would withdraw from Gaza and a deal would end all-out war.

This was the response of the Palestinian militant group in Gaza to the proposal previously discussed by Israel and the US and presented to Hamas by Qatari and Egyptian mediators last week.

Israeli army tanks in Gaza. Photo: Reuters

In addition to calling Hamas's views "delusional", Netanyahu also reaffirmed his commitment to destroying the Palestinian Islamist militant group in Gaza, saying Israel had no other choice.

However, comments from US Secretary of State Blinken, after meeting with Mr Netanyahu, suggested that the chance for talks could still be salvaged. “There are clearly non-starters in what (Hamas) has put forward… But we also see an opportunity to pursue negotiations,” he said.

Mr Blinken met with the leaders of Qatar and Egypt on Tuesday and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah on Wednesday to discuss the issue. Israel has previously said it will not withdraw from Gaza or end hostilities until Hamas is defeated.

Hamas is proposing a three-phase ceasefire to end hostilities with Israel in Gaza. Here are the main points of the three phases:

* During the first 45 days, all Israeli female hostages, men under 19, the elderly and the sick will be released, in exchange for Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons. Israel will withdraw its troops from populated areas in Gaza.

* Implementation of the second phase will not begin until the parties conclude negotiations on the requirements for ending joint military activities and fully restoring normal life.

* The second phase would include the release of the remaining male hostages and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The remains of the dead from both sides, including the hostages, would be exchanged in the third phase.

Bui Huy (according to CNN, Reuters, AP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/thu-tuong-israel-bac-de-xuat-ngung-ban-cua-hamas-ngoai-truong-my-hy-vong-cuu-van-post284013.html