Hamas gives a 'positive' response to the ceasefire plan in Gaza, but the chances remain murky
“There is still much work to be done, but we continue to believe that an agreement is possible and indeed essential, and we will continue to work relentlessly to achieve it,” Mr Blinken said.
Hamas's response came as a surprise to Mr. Blinken and the White House, who had little time to review it before being publicly asked about it. Qatari officials received the Hamas proposal just an hour before Mr. Blinken arrived for his first meeting in Doha, and about three hours before his joint news conference, said a senior U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. Mr. Blinken's team quickly reviewed it and then informed White House officials.
Mr. Biden told reporters in Washington that there was “some movement” in the talks and that Hamas's proposal “seems a bit exaggerated.”
“Negotiations are still ongoing,” he said.
In a statement, Hamas said it had dealt “positively” with the framework proposed by intermediaries. It has not elaborated but reaffirmed its previous demands, including a permanent ceasefire, the reconstruction of Gaza, the end of the Israeli blockade of the territory and the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israel.
An Israeli official briefed on the matter suggested that Israel was dissatisfied with Hamas's response. The official, who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity, said Hamas only wanted a deal if it secured continued control of Gaza and ended the war – both conditions rejected by Israel .
Israel's spy agency Mossad said in a statement that it had received Hamas' response from Qatar, “and its details are being thoroughly investigated by all officials involved in the negotiations.”
Egypt and Qatar have been key intermediaries, negotiating with Hamas leaders on a proposal, backed by the United States, that could temporarily halt the war that has devastated Gaza, freeing the remaining hostages there in exchange for Palestinians living in Israeli prisons are holding and could allow more food. , water, medicine and other basic services to the territory.