Gaza (TDI): As international efforts continue to broker a truce in Gaza, Hamas has announced its readiness to release 10 prisoners in what it described as a goodwill gesture, even as key obstacles remain in the path of a final agreement.
The Palestinian group, speaking after several days of indirect negotiations in Qatar, said talks have been difficult due to what it called Israel’s “rigid stance,” but affirmed its commitment to working through the challenges.
“The negotiations remain tough, primarily due to the occupation’s refusal to compromise,” Hamas said in a statement. “Still, we are engaging seriously with mediators to ease our people’s suffering and achieve their legitimate right to safety, freedom, and dignity.”
Among the unresolved issues are the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid, and binding assurances for a lasting ceasefire.
The Israeli delegation has reportedly shown little flexibility so far. Despite the hurdles, optimism appears to be growing on the Israeli side. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking after meetings with senior US officials in Washington, voiced confidence in the progress.
Read More: Hamas Ready for Immediate Gaza Ceasefire Talks
“I believe we’re moving in the right direction,” Netanyahu told Fox Business Network. “There’s a real possibility we’ll reach a deal soon, possibly within days.”
In a related development, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions against Francesca Albanese, the UN Human Rights Council’s Special Rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories.
Albanese, an Italian legal expert, has been an outspoken critic of Israeli policies and US support for them. Earlier this month, she issued a report accusing several international companies of profiting from Israel’s military occupation and actions in Gaza.
Rubio accused her of pushing the International Criminal Court (ICC) to target American and Israeli individuals and entities, calling her actions “biased, inflammatory, and harmful.”
Read More: Hamas Reviews US-Backed Gaza Ceasefire Plan
“She has crossed the line, using her role to spread dangerous falsehoods and anti-Semitic rhetoric,” Rubio said. The Secretary of State claimed she sent threatening letters to US companies and demanded the ICC prosecute their executives.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continued to pound Gaza, with local officials reporting the deaths of at least 26 people, including six children.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
