The Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat reported Saturday, citing sources within the Hamas terrorist organization, that it has submitted its official response to the latest White House proposal earlier in the day via mediators. According to the report, the response can be characterized as "positive," but includes several comments. This is despite what the sources called "bias toward Israel."
The sources added that one of Hamas' main objections concerned the schedule for the phased release of hostages. The current outline suggests that both phases of the release would take place within a week following the start of a ceasefire. However, Hamas proposed that the releases occur in staggered stages, similar to the previous deal, to ensure the full implementation of a ceasefire over a period of two months.
Hamas shows signs of strain
On Friday, an Arab diplomat familiar with the negotiations said there were increasing signs that Hamas was under growing pressure. He noted calls from within the group's leadership in the Gaza Strip highlighting difficulties in commanding its military units, supply shortages, and significant delays in salary payments. At the same time, internal dissent is mounting, and most civilian services run by Hamas are reportedly no longer functioning.
An Israeli official said that while the current situation is unlikely to persist indefinitely, the US administration is pushing hard for an agreement to end the war. According to the official, Israel's swift and positive response to the new proposal demonstrated Jerusalem's readiness for a ceasefire and a negotiation process that aligns with Washington's prevailing sentiment and its fundamental conditions for ending the war.
"Fear barrier has been broken"
"There's no doubt that continued military pressure, the elimination of many terrorists and senior commanders, and the operation of new distribution centers are the key factors weakening Hamas," the official added. "These developments increase the likelihood that Hamas will agree to a ceasefire."
The official also stressed that core issues, such as the post-war situation in Gaza, the dismantling of Hamas, and the future deployment of IDF in the Strip, have been clearly defined as negotiation topics on which there will be no compromise. The supply hubs now under IDF control, which have significantly undermined Hamas' strategic advantage and effectively neutralized the population's fear barrier, will continue operating under the current proposal.
