Israel has given Hamas a one-week ultimatum to agree to a ceasefire and release hostages, or face military action in Rafah, as reported by The Wall Street Journal on Friday, quoting Egyptian officials. The Palestinian group is pushing for a longer-term ceasefire arrangement.
According to WSJ, Egypt has been collaborating with Israel to draft a new ceasefire proposal over the past weekend. However, Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas's armed wing, has yet to respond.
CIA Director Bill Burns traveled to Cairo last Friday to discuss the ceasefire proposal with Egyptian officials. Following this, Hamas announced its intention to send negotiators to Egypt to discuss the terms.
WSJ's sources among Egyptian officials revealed that Hamas aims for a long-term ceasefire. The group is also seeking assurances from the United States that Israel will commit to the terms of any agreement. Hamas has raised concerns that the current proposal is too vague and could allow Israel to restart military operations.
Negotiating the ceasefire
WSJ's report indicates that the proposed ceasefire would initially last 40 days. During this period, plans are for the release of 33 hostages and the start of discussions on possibly extending the ceasefire and arranging further prisoner exchanges. The negotiations aim to secure a ceasefire lasting up to a year.
Although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans for a large military operation in Rafah, the last stronghold of Hamas, he has indicated privately that these plans could be shelved indefinitely if a long-term ceasefire is agreed upon. Israel has also issued a threat that military actions will begin imminently if Hamas does not accept the ceasefire proposal by the following Friday, May 10.
The United States has expressed strong opposition to the operation in Rafah, concerned that it would aggravate the humanitarian situation and result in numerous civilian casualties who are currently taking refuge in the area.
