Hamas Official Rejects Israeli Demands in Stalemated Gaza Ceasefire Talks
BEIRUT, Lebanon – Negotiations between Israel and Hamas over a ceasefirein the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages remain deadlocked, with significant disagreements over key issues, according to a Hamas official.
In a phone interview withNHK on Wednesday, Ahmed Abdel Hadi, Hamas’ representative in Lebanon, slammed the talks held in Egypt earlier this week as meaningless and solely reflecting Israel’s interests. He specifically criticized Israel’s insistence on maintaining a military presence in the Philadelphia Corridor, a border area between southern Gaza and Egypt, after any ceasefire agreement.
We will never accept the Israeli army’s presencein the ‘Philadelphia Corridor’ or any other area, Abdel Hadi declared. If there are meaningful negotiations, we will participate. Until then, we will continue our resistance in the Gaza Strip.
The Philadelphia Corridor has long beena point of contention between Israel and Hamas. Israel views the area as a potential infiltration route for militants and weapons, while Hamas considers it a vital economic lifeline for Gaza.
Abdel Hadi’s statement underscores the deep chasm separating the two sides, with both refusing to budge on their core demands. Israel has insisted ona strong security presence in the Philadelphia Corridor as a condition for any ceasefire, while Hamas has maintained its opposition to any Israeli troops remaining on Gazan soil.
The stalemate comes amid a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with the territory facing a severe shortage of food, water, and medical supplies. The ongoing conflict hasalso claimed the lives of hundreds of Palestinians and Israelis, further fueling tensions.
The international community has called for a swift resolution to the conflict, urging both sides to prioritize a ceasefire and the release of hostages. However, the lack of progress in negotiations raises concerns about the possibility of further escalation.
The situation remains precarious, with the potential for renewed violence looming large. Hamas has repeatedly threatened to escalate its attacks if its demands are not met, while Israel has vowed to continue its military operations until all hostages are released and its security concerns are addressed.
The impasse highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with deep-seated historical grievances and competing narratives fueling the ongoing cycle of violence. The current stalemate underscores the need for a comprehensive and sustainable solution that addresses the underlying issues and ensures the safety and security of all parties involved.
The international community faces a critical task in facilitating a meaningful dialogue between the two sides, fostering a climate oftrust and encouraging compromise. The road to peace remains long and arduous, but the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict is more urgent than ever.
【source】https://nwapi.nhk.jp/nhkworld/rdnewsweb/v6b/zh/detail/k10014562811000.json
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