A proposed truce arrangement between Israel and Hamas has received a “generally positive” response, according to mediator Qatar, as the Palestinian organization has maintained its desire for an end to Israel’s assault on Gaza.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the prime minister of Qatar, characterized Hamas’s response to the proposal as “generally positive” during a press conference with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday. However, he did not provide any other details.
According to Blinken, Israeli officials have been informed of Hamas’s response to the proposal mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.
While on a quick trip of the Middle East, Blinken stated that he will talk about the reaction with Israeli officials when he is there on Wednesday.
Blinken described the agreement as “essential” while speaking with media in Doha on Tuesday.
“A lot of work still has to be done. However, we still think that an agreement is feasible and necessary, so we’ll keep working nonstop to make it happen,” he stated.
In a statement, Hamas said that its leaders had gone over the “comprehensive ceasefire deal… with a positive spirit,” which included information on rebuilding, securing relief and shelter, ending a crippling 17-year blockade, and concluding the “prisoner exchange” process.
