Hamas announced Friday that it had submitted a “positive” response to the latest proposal for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement, adding that it was prepared to “immediately” begin proximity talks with Israel to close remaining gaps. At the same time, a source involved in mediation efforts told The Times of Israel that the terror group’s reply included three reservations on core issues, leaving significant hurdles to overcome.

“The movement has delivered its response to the brotherly mediators, which was characterized by a positive spirit. Hamas is fully prepared, with all seriousness, to immediately enter a new round of negotiations on the mechanism for implementing this framework,” Hamas said in a statement, which made no mention of any reservations.

However, the source involved in the mediation effort stated that Hamas wants clearer language regarding the possibility that negotiations on a permanent ceasefire may not be completed by the end of the proposed 60-day truce.

The text that was presented to Hamas states that the 60-day ceasefire can extend, so long as the sides are negotiating in good faith. But the source said Hamas wants the latter condition dropped, viewing it as a window Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will exploit to resume the war, as he did in March, collapsing an agreement reached in January before its second stage. Accordingly, the source said Hamas wants the proposal to state that talks on a permanent ceasefire will continue until an agreement is reached — something Israel has opposed, fearing that Hamas will drag out the talks indefinitely.

Another Hamas reservation pertains to aid, which the terror group wants to fully resume through mechanisms backed by the United Nations and other international aid organizations, the source said, noting that assistance could still flow through the controversial, US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. However, the source clarified that Hamas would not accept the current system whereby Israel severely restricts the amount of UN aid allowed in.

An average of fewer than 70 trucks of aid have been entering Gaza each day since Israel lifted a blockade on the Strip after 78 days. International organizations say hundreds of trucks are needed daily to address the dire need in the Strip. The extent of the crisis has been highlighted by the chaotic, deadly scenes at and near GHF distribution sites, which thousands of Palestinians have been willing to walk long distances to........

© The Times of Israel