Donald Trump Claims Hamas Are 'Ready for Sustainable Peace' After Group Agrees to Release Captives.
The group has agreed to release the outstanding captives, although dependent on negotiations and certain conditions being met. This move offers real hope to relatives in Israel who have been desperate for such news for a long time.
Key Components of the Peace Proposal
Another significant part of the peace plan is the proposal of transferring the governance of Gaza to local technocrats. However, several other elements are glaring by their omission, especially the demand that Hamas lay down its weapons.
Israeli Government to Analyze Wording
The Israeli government will now be examining the language to determine the real meaning and to judge whether this represents a genuine good faith agreement of key points or merely an effort to buy time and reopen long drawn out negotiations.
Considering that this occurred just a few hours after Donald Trump issued his final ultimatum for Hamas to comply or face "severe consequences," several members of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government are expected to be sceptical.
Such doubts may be compounded now that the US president has called on them to immediately stop the bombing of Gaza.
Possible Role for Hamas in Future Talks
Additionally, Israeli officials may disapprove of the last paragraph suggesting that Hamas would retain a part in negotiations over the long term future of the territory.
Although the statement is important no doubt, there is yet a lot of specifics to be worked through before a ceasefire becomes close to a reality.
