Dr. Bishara Bahbah, the Palestinian-American businessman participating in the mediation efforts, delivered an unprecedented public condemnation of Hamas, declaring that "mediators have spent days awaiting Hamas' response, while this prolonged process is costing the Palestinian people dozens of casualties each day. No compelling justification exists for delaying the response or requesting non-substantive modifications, particularly when 60 days of casualty-free negotiations are planned to address all specifics. The dragging out and ongoing bloodshed must end. We should advance with an agreement that enables all parties to negotiate under American guarantees toward achieving a lasting ceasefire."
Sources informed Egyptian media that most contentious matters are "nearly resolved," though disagreement persists over the border buffer zone depth where Israeli forces would remain positioned during the 60-day period. The source indicated Israel seeks to maintain forces between 1,200 and 1,500 meters (3,937 to 4,921 feet) from the Philadelphi Corridor, while Hamas insists on 800 meters (2,625 feet). The source evaluated this issue as "solvable."
Defense Minister Israel Katz issued threats, declaring that "the Sinwar brothers devastated Gaza. Izz al-Din al-Qassam continues transforming it into rubble. Hamas leadership abroad celebrates in mansions and five-star hotels while refusing hostage releases. If releases don't occur soon – hell's gates will swing open."
Previously, Palestinian sources informed the Saudi network Al-Arabiya that Hamas had submitted its definitive ceasefire proposal response, incorporating observations about assistance mechanisms, withdrawal blueprints and ceasefire assurances. The sources revealed mediators required Hamas modifications to ensure a favorable response, explaining why Israel hasn't received it yet.
This development follows Israel's continued lack of official Hamas response to the most recent proposal, though Israeli sources believed Hamas had already delivered a draft response to mediators – who expressed dissatisfaction. Now it appears mediators await Hamas' revised response following their change demands.
A diplomatic source refuted any negotiation breakthrough. "Currently," the source stated, "no Hamas response has arrived, prisoner discussions haven't commenced, and no agreements exist on referenced matters." Similar caution appeared on the Saudi channel Asharq Al-Awsat, connected to Hamas, which yesterday cited a Palestinian source reporting that Qatar negotiations remain centered on withdrawal maps. Per the source, Egyptian and Qatari mediators collaborate with the American administration to resolve mapping disagreements, making them mutually acceptable.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich repeatedly urges the prime minister to terminate negotiations. "The moment has arrived to permanently shut the door on any partial agreement and command the IDF to launch Gaza conquest operations and implement the humanitarian separation strategy, continuing until Hamas surrenders and releases all hostages unconditionally or faces total annihilation."
