Hamas Acceptance of Ceasefire Plan: A Hopeful Sign Amid Questions Over Israel’s Stance

The recent developments in the conflict between Israel and Hamas have sparked hope for a potential ceasefire agreement. The UN Security Council resolution for a peace deal has been accepted by Hamas, with US secretary of state Antony Blinken calling it a “hopeful sign”. However, there are still questions surrounding Israel’s stance on the resolution.

While Mr. Blinken claims that Israel has also accepted the deal, there has been no public statement from Israeli leadership confirming this. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously stated that a negotiated permanent ceasefire was a “non-starter”, adding to the uncertainty surrounding Israel’s position.

In a recent interview, Israel’s ambassador Gilad Erdan mentioned that Israel’s support for the resolution depends on the interpretation of the three-phase plan outlined in the agreement. He emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement between the parties, including the release of hostages and the future governance of Gaza.

On the other hand, Hamas has outlined its conditions for a ceasefire, including the total withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and a prisoner swap. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri stated that these demands must be met for the group to consider accepting the deal.

Despite these developments, Mr. Blinken stressed the need for public acceptance of the deal from Hamas leadership in Gaza. He highlighted that without this confirmation, the path to a lasting ceasefire remains uncertain.

As the situation continues to evolve, the international community remains hopeful for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Gaza. The acceptance of the ceasefire plan by Hamas is seen as a positive step, but the full support and commitment of both parties are essential for a sustainable peace agreement to be achieved.