2024-07-06 09:56:39
Hamas has accepted a US offer to start talks to release Israeli hostages, including men and soldiers, 16 days after the first phase of a deal aimed at ending the war in Gaza, Reuters reported, citing a senior source in the Islamist group.
The armed Islamist group has abandoned its demand that Israel first commit to a permanent ceasefire before signing the agreement, BTA also writes.
The organization will allow negotiations to achieve that during the first six-week phase, said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the talks are confidential.
A Palestinian official close to the internationally brokered peace effort had said the proposal could lead to a framework agreement if accepted by Israel and would end the nine-month war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
The conflict has claimed the lives of more than 38,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health services. The war broke out after Hamas attacked southern Israeli cities on October 7, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages, Reuters recalled.
The Hamas source said the proposal would see mediators guarantee a temporary cease-fire, aid delivery and withdrawal of Israeli troops while indirect negotiations to implement the second phase of the agreement continue.