Hamas sources – quoted by the Saudi newspaper, but based in London, Asharq al-Awsat – they explained what the Palestinian organization wants clear guarantees on the end of the war in Gaza once the hostage agreement was signed. “Israel is manipulating. They want a temporary truce and then start the war again,” the sources said, according to which the Israelis use “ambiguous” formulas in the text of the agreement that “are open to interpretation”.
According to Times of IsraelHowever, the position of the sources cited by the Saudi-owned newspaper does not appear to be a formal rejection of the agreement. Yesterday the political leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyehsaid the US organization would approach any ceasefire agreement based on the total cessation of the war and on the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for his part, insists that he will not accept any hostage deal that prevents Israel from completing its goal of eliminating Hamas.
However, Israel has not yet received one official response of Hamas on the proposal brought to the table by the negotiators. This was indicated by an Israeli official quoted by the Kan broadcaster.
