Israel Has Received Hamas’s Response To Hostage Deal, Is Studying Its Contents

Israel says it received Hamas’s response to hostage deal offer, is studying its contents

Jacob Magid

Israel has received Palestinian group Hamas’ response on the Gaza ceasefire proposal with details currently being examined, Hebrew media reports, citing Israeli officials.

Islamic Jihad says supports Gaza ceasefire talks, demands ‘guarantees’

Palestinian Islamic Jihad says it supports plans for proximity talks on a truce with Israel in Gaza but demands “guarantees” that the process would lead to a permanent ceasefire.

“We presented (Hamas) a number of detailed points on the mechanism for putting in place the mediators’ proposal, and we want additional guarantees to assure us (that Israel) will not resume its aggression after (hostages) are freed,” the terror group says in a statement after Hamas indicated it was ready for talks.

Hamas leader says he’s prepared for ‘war of martyrdom’ if ‘honorable deal’ not offered — NYT

Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the latest commander of Hamas’s military wing, is said to have told counterparts in recent weeks that he will either achieve an “honorable deal” to permanently end the war in Gaza or the conflict will become “a war of liberation or a war of martyrdom,” The New York Times reports, citing an unnamed Mideast intelligence official.

The comment highlights the hardline stance of Hamas’s Gaza leaders, as mediators work to secure a ceasefire in the coming days.

Haddad has spent time with hostages in northern Gaza and is currently believed to be in Gaza City, NYT reports.