Hamas aligns with Biden's plan for Gaza ceasefire

Recently, Hamas' leader Ismail Haniyeh addressed the public during a televised speech on Eid Al-Adha, shedding light on the group's stance towards the proposed Gaza ceasefire. Haniyeh highlighted that Hamas' position is in harmony with US President Joe Biden's plan, signaling a potential step towards peace in the region.

In his speech, Haniyeh underscored Hamas' willingness to engage in a comprehensive agreement that encompasses various crucial elements. These include a ceasefire, the withdrawal of forces from Gaza, efforts towards reconstruction, and the possibility of a swap deal involving Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

President Biden had earlier put forth a detailed three-phase proposal on May 31, aiming to pave the way for a lasting peace agreement. The plan involved discussions on a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and phased exchanges of hostages and prisoners between Israel and Palestine. Notably, Egypt and Qatar, in collaboration with the US, have been actively involved in mediating negotiations between Hamas and Israel, with a significant development occurring on June 11 when Palestinian groups responded to the US plan.

Despite Israel's claims that Hamas rejected key components of the proposal, a senior Hamas official refuted these allegations by stating that the requested modifications were not substantial, hinting at a potential middle ground for further discussions.

The alignment of Hamas' response with President Biden's plan marks a significant step towards resolving the longstanding conflict in Gaza. With ongoing negotiations facilitated by key mediators, there is hope for progress towards a comprehensive agreement that addresses the core issues affecting both Israeli and Palestinian communities.