Citing an unnamed Arab official, The Wall Street Journal reported on April 20 that it is possible that Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement will stop negotiations in Qatar on a ceasefire agreement and release of hostages.
Israeli Army. Photo: Sputnik
According to sources familiar with the matter, the Hamas political agency is looking to move its headquarters from Qatar to another Arab country, which would likely disrupt current negotiations between Israel and Hamas. According to the announcement, the Hamas movement has turned to at least two other countries for its political headquarters, including Oman.
The above information was released after NBC News quoted a senior Arab diplomat as reporting on April 18 that ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas “have almost frozen”.
Later, Hamas political bureau member Husam Badran told Sputnik that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not looking for a political solution to the conflict.
Previously, on April 7, Israel and Hamas began a new round of negotiations in the Egyptian capital Cairo. The ceasefire proposal put forward at these talks stipulated the release of 40 Israeli hostages in exchange for 900 Palestinian prisoners as part of a three-phase plan approved by international mediators.
Hamas has rejected this proposal, saying that the movement will come up with its own plan to permanently end the conflict in the region.
Accordingly, Hamas stated that this movement reaffirms that Israel must comply with the demands, including a permanent ceasefire; the complete withdrawal of troops from the Gaza Strip; bring evacuated people back home; strengthen relief and aid activities as well as begin reconstruction work in this Mediterranean coastal territory.
Hamas said it was also ready to “sign a serious and real prisoner exchange agreement between the two sides.”
Previously, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposed a permanent ceasefire and announced that he would send troops to the city of Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, despite strong opposition from the international community.
