Gaza/Jerusalem, May 19 (V7N) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled a potential willingness to reach a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, but insists on strict preconditions for any permanent end to the fighting in Gaza. Speaking in the context of renewed negotiations, Netanyahu stated that Hamas must fully disarm, leave Gaza, and release all hostages for a permanent ceasefire to be implemented. He also reiterated that Israel will maintain full control over Gaza in any post-war arrangement.

On the other hand, Hamas has rejected the Israeli conditions as “unacceptable.” The Palestinian group said it will not give up its weapons as long as Israel continues its occupation. In response, Hamas has also submitted counter-proposals for a permanent truce.

Amid this tension, indirect negotiations between the two parties resumed in Doha on Saturday, mediated by Qatar and the United States. The talks are centered around a ceasefire and hostage release deal, with broader discussions on a potential end to the conflict.

A statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that the negotiation agenda includes both a temporary truce and a long-term resolution. One of the proposals being considered reportedly comes from US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff. His proposal outlines a 45-day ceasefire, during which Hamas would release 10 hostages, while Israel would release a number of Palestinian prisoners. During this period, negotiations would continue for a permanent ceasefire. If such an agreement is reached, Hamas would release all remaining hostages.

However, Netanyahu has made it clear that any permanent ceasefire would require Hamas to relinquish control of Gaza and fully disarm—conditions that Hamas has so far rejected.

Senior Hamas leader Osama Hamdan confirmed that the group is engaged in talks but said the Israeli conditions are impossible to accept. “We are negotiating, but no final agreement has been reached yet,” he said. Hamdan added that Hamas released a dual US-Israeli national last week as a goodwill gesture to move the ceasefire process forward.

Hamdan also emphasized that the Palestinian people must be allowed to choose their own leadership through free and fair elections.

The conflict in Gaza has escalated again in recent days with renewed Israeli airstrikes, while humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate. The international community remains hopeful that ongoing diplomatic efforts will lead to a breakthrough, though major differences remain between the two sides.

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