Hamas Digs In on Demands Amidst Cease-Fire Negotiations

Despite pressure from Egypt and the US, Hamas insists on guarantees of safety for its leaders, setting a stumbling block in the path of a cease-fire with Israel.

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a cease-fire continue to face obstacles, as the terrorist group's leaders demand guarantees of their safety and other concessions.

Hamas Digs In on Demands Amidst Cease-Fire Negotiations

Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar has made it clear that he will not accept a deal unless his personal security is ensured. An Egyptian official has relayed this message, noting that Sinwar is wary of confusion arising from the "many hands" involved in the discussions.

American, Israeli, Egyptian, and Qatari officials have engaged in cease-fire talks in recent days. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly accepted a deal proposed by the US, Hamas representatives have rejected it as unsatisfactory.

Hamas Digs In on Demands Amidst Cease-Fire Negotiations

An unnamed Egyptian official told The Associated Press that the US proposal offers "promises, not guarantees," which is unacceptable to Hamas. The proposal reportedly does not specify Israel's withdrawal from key strategic corridors in Gaza, causing further concern.

Egypt has criticized Netanyahu's public handling of the negotiations, while also pressing the Palestinian Authority to manage the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing and rejecting Israeli proposals for a multinational task force in the Philadelphi corridor.

Hamas Digs In on Demands Amidst Cease-Fire Negotiations

Sinwar remains adamant about his safety guarantees. He took over as Hamas chief after his predecessor, Ismail Haniyeh, died in an explosion in Tehran, which Iranian officials have attributed to Israel.

An Israeli official has emphasized that Israel is fighting Hamas as if there were no negotiations while negotiating as if there were no war. However, the official stressed that Netanyahu supports the US-offered "bridging deal" proposed in Doha, Qatar.

Hamas Digs In on Demands Amidst Cease-Fire Negotiations

"So long as Hamas doesn't agree to a deal, we will continue fighting," the official said. "Of course, if there is a deal, there will be a lull in the fighting in the first stage. But we will continue fighting until we achieve all of our war aims."

Sinwar has referred to the Israeli campaign's casualties as "necessary sacrifices," equating it to the Algerian fight for independence from France. He has also defended his sons' deaths, claiming their sacrifices "infuse life into this nation."

Hamas Digs In on Demands Amidst Cease-Fire Negotiations

Some of Hamas' supporters in the Arab region have questioned Sinwar's approach, arguing that Palestinian losses outweigh Israeli losses and that Israel has the advantage in international and regional contexts.

Despite these concerns, Sinwar has asserted that Israel will face a challenging situation in Rafah. However, Israel has reported significant success in the area, claiming the defeat of the Hamas Rafah brigade and the destruction of over 150 tunnels.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has stressed the importance of achieving the goals of the war, including subduing Hamas, securing the release of hostages, and addressing threats from the north.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.