Hamas suspends hostage talks, demands Israeli army leave Gaza Strip
NY Post
Hamas has reportedly called off negotiations with Israel on a proposed hostage release plan, demanding that Israel first withdraw its troops from the Gaza Strip.
Qatar, which has been working as a mediator between the sparring groups, relayed the suspension to Israel on Wednesday, sources familiar with the details said, according to i24 News.
Qatar stressed Hamas’ demand for a “package deal,” including the complete removal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip during the first phase of the agreement, while Israel has repeatedly tried to negotiate one stage of a cease-fire at a time.
Removing all Israeli forces from Gaza would effectively end the war, now nearing its fourth month without the two sides coming to a long-term agreement.
Despite the apparent rejection of Hamas’ bid, Israeli officials say there is still a chance for the two sides to broker a cease-fire, which anonymous officials told Reuters earlier this week was on the table.
Before Hamas’ demand to remove Israeli soldiers from Gaza, the two sides were in talks to allow for the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners throughout a month-long cease-fire.
