US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that Hamas has suggested numerous changes to a US-backed Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, which is currently in a delicate state. Speaking in Doha, Blinken mentioned that some changes were acceptable while others were not, but emphasized that the US, along with mediators Qatar and Egypt, would work to finalize the deal.


On Tuesday, Hamas expressed a willingness to engage positively with the ceasefire process but underscored the necessity of Israel agreeing to a permanent ceasefire. Israel’s government has not officially responded, though an anonymous Israeli official indicated that Hamas's response was essentially a rejection.


Blinken conveyed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had reaffirmed his commitment to the ceasefire proposal, suggesting that Hamas was the obstacle to progress. However, Netanyahu has not publicly supported the plan, which US President Joe Biden stated had been offered by Israel twelve days prior.


The UN Security Council passed a resolution on Monday supporting the proposal, adding to the diplomatic pressure from the US. During a news conference with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, Blinken discussed Hamas's requested changes to the US-backed ceasefire proposal. Blinken noted that a deal almost identical to Hamas's proposal from May 6 was on the table, and while some changes were workable, others extended beyond previous positions accepted by Hamas. He expressed optimism that the gaps were bridgeable but stressed that the decision ultimately rested with Hamas.



Sheikh Mohammed stated that both Hamas and Israel needed to make concessions, highlighting a clear and firm call to end the conflict. Blinken also stressed the importance of developing plans for post-conflict Gaza to ensure a lasting resolution, mentioning forthcoming proposals for governance, security, and reconstruction.


                                         

Hamas's brief statement on Tuesday confirmed it had provided an official response to the ceasefire proposal but did not detail the requested changes. The group reiterated demands for a complete halt to aggression against Gaza and a full Israeli withdrawal. Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq described their response as responsible and positive, suggesting it paved the way for an agreement.


An anonymous Israeli official stated that Hamas had altered key parameters of the proposal and rejected a hostage release plan presented by President Biden. The Israeli military launched an operation in Gaza following an unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in about 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. Since then, over 37,200 people have died in Gaza, according to Hamas-run health ministry figures.


A deal in November saw Hamas release 105 hostages in exchange for a week-long ceasefire and the release of 240 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. Israel reports that 116 hostages are still held, with 41 presumed dead.


Biden’s new proposal involves three phases. The first phase includes a six-week ceasefire, during which Hamas would release some hostages in exchange for Israel releasing Palestinian prisoners and withdrawing forces from populated areas of Gaza, coupled with increased humanitarian aid. The second phase would see the release of all remaining hostages and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, leading to a permanent cessation of hostilities, though this would require further negotiations. The third phase focuses on returning the remains of deceased hostages and commencing a major reconstruction plan for Gaza.


While the US is pushing for progress on the agreement, Israel's leadership remains skeptical. Far-right ministers are pressuring Netanyahu to disregard the US proposal, threatening to leave the coalition if it proceeds, viewing it as a concession to Hamas. Netanyahu has not explicitly supported the plan, despite acknowledging it was authorized by his war cabinet. The full Israeli proposal, reportedly more detailed than Biden's summary, has not been made public and it is unclear if it differs from Biden’s outline.