Hamas demands permanent ceasefire for hostage deal, reports say

The radical Palestinian movement Hamas has set a permanent and complete ceasefire as the main condition to reaching an agreement on the release of hostages, reported from The Times of Israel.

Two sources told the newspaper that Hamas is demanding guarantees from Israeli authorities for a full cessation of hostilities. Israel, however, has proposed only a six-week truce during the first stage of the potential deal. During this period, Israel and Hamas would need to negotiate the terms of the second phase, which would include a permanent ceasefire.

Although Israel's offer allows for extending the six-week truce to continue negotiations, Hamas fears that the temporary restriction could give the Israeli side a pretext to resume combat operations and derail the agreement.

Earlier, Hamas confirmed that they were satisfied with the US plan for a ceasefire in Gaza.

www.anews.az