Hamas is considering a truce proposal presented by Israel over the weekend (see our 2.50pm post for what this plan details).
Initial indications are Hamas sees no immediate problem with the idea, but our Middle East correspondent Alistair Bunkall says there must also be caution around any optimism.
“We’ve spoken about [ceasefire deals] previously, on many occasions it’s looked very hopeful and then something has come along to stop it in its tracks,” he says, speaking from Jerusalem.
“There’s obviously going to be huge caution around this latest round of talks.”
But there are also signs an agreement could be reached, with reports Israel has made a commitment.
He says he has heard Israel is not demanding the release of 40 hostages in the first phase – now they’ve lowered that to 33.
While Israelis are not saying they will withdraw fully from Gaza and entertain a permanent ceasefire, they are talking about a partial withdrawal and an extended period of calm in Gaza.
Will Hamas’s boss agree?
“Are we getting closer to one? Well, that probably now depends on Hamas,” Bunkall says.
“Initial reports coming from sources close to Hamas say that they don’t see any problems with the Israeli proposal, but it will ultimately be the decision for Yahya Sinwar, who is Hamas’s leader in Gaza.
“It’s believed he has blocked some of the previous ceasefire deals, as he’s seen no real advantage for Hamas to agree to a ceasefire, with more humanitarian aid starting to get into Gaza and Israeli troops drawing down.
“But Israel is saying ‘this is your last chance and if you don’t take this opportunity, then the Rafah invasion will go ahead and we want an answer sooner rather than later.’
“So, we’ll see whether or not anything emerges from talks.”
