Officials said Hamas was seeking changes on guarantees for a permanent end to war. That has long been the core sticking point with Israel.According to The New York Times, officials have stated that Hamas is seeking changes regarding guarantees for a permanent end to the ongoing war with Israel. This has been a major point of contention in the negotiations between the two sides. The White House has condemned Hamas’s response to a new cease-fire proposal, calling it “totally unacceptable” and a step backwards. The proposal, put forth by Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s Mideast envoy, includes a 60-day halt to fighting in Gaza and the release of some hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Further negotiations would then take place with the support of the United States to reach a permanent resolution to the conflict. However, Hamas has insisted on stronger guarantees that the temporary truce will lead to a decisive end to the war. An Israeli official also confirmed that Hamas has demanded stronger assurances that the conflict will come to an end. Both sides have requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the topic. Mr. Witkoff has placed the blame on Hamas for the impasse, stating that their response “only takes us backward.” He has urged Hamas to accept the U.S. framework as the basis for further negotiations, which could begin as early as next week.
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