Gaza War: Hamas mulling over new peace deal with Israel

Palestinian terrorist group Hamas announced on Tuesday that it is mulling over a plan that was hammered out in Paris to put an end to the conflict between Israel and the militant group in Gaza. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh “confirms that the movement received the proposal which was circulated at the (Paris) meeting and that it (Hamas) is in the process of examining it and delivering its response,” Hamas said in a statement on social media platform Telegram. Meanwhile, The Times of Israel reported that Hamas appears to have rejected a framework for a possible hostage compromise with Israel, stating that it will not accept any agreement if the removal of all Israeli troops from Gaza is not included. The plan was apparently approved by Israel during talks in Paris to gain the release of hostages held by the Hamas organization, but it was later rejected. In a joint statement, Hamas and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine insisted that any accord have to involve ending the current conflict and pulling out all Israeli troops from Gaza. According to The Times of Israel, the group emphasized that before any exchange agreement can be taken into consideration, Israel must stop its “aggression”. An early end to hostilities appears to be at odds with the group’s objective for a “complete and comprehensive ceasefire” in Gaza, according to a senior Hamas official. The leaders of the intelligence services from Shin Bet and Mossad, as well as representatives from the US, Qatar, and Egypt, drafted the proposed agreement, which defines a step-by-step procedure. As part of the agreement, all Israeli hostages would be freed, with the most vulnerable beings being women, children, the elderly, and the sick. There will be “phased pauses” in Israel’s attack against Hamas while the hostages were being released. As per the agreement, Israel would free a significant number of Palestinian prisoners and let increased aid to reach Gaza.