“The idea of a temporary pause in the war to resume aggression later is something we have already expressed our position on,” Nunu said.
“Hamas supports a complete end to the war, not a temporary end,” he added.
Mediators trying to broker a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip are expected to propose a cease-fire to Hamas for “less than a month”, a source familiar with the talks told AFP on Wednesday.
A proposal for a short-term truce lasting “less than a month” was discussed in talks between Israel’s Mossad chief, David Barnes, US Central Intelligence Agency director Bill Burns and Qatar’s prime minister, which ended in Doha on Monday, the source said.
The proposal includes exchanging Israeli hostages for Palestinians in Israeli jails and increasing aid to the Gaza Strip, the source added.
“US officials believe that if a short-term agreement can be reached, it could lead to a more permanent agreement,” explained the source.
Nunu said that Hamas has not received any proposal so far, adding that if it receives such a plan, the organization will respond.
However, Nunu reiterated the demands that the group has been insisting on for months – “a permanent ceasefire, [Izraēlas armijas] withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, the return of displaced people, sufficient humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and a serious agreement on the exchange of prisoners”.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Conflict Resolution Expert on Ceasefire in Gaza
Editor (E): Good afternoon, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have with us Dr. Sarah Nabil, a renowned expert in conflict resolution and Middle Eastern politics. Dr. Nabil, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Nabil (N): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
E: Let’s dive straight into the current situation in Gaza. Recent statements have indicated that mediators are attempting to broker a ceasefire. Can you shed some light on what’s been happening on the ground?
N: Absolutely. We’ve seen that there is an ongoing push for a ceasefire amidst continued hostilities. However, key players, such as Hamas, have emphasized that they do not see a temporary pause as a viable solution. They are calling for a complete end to the war instead.
E: Interesting. So, when Hamas talks about not supporting a temporary end but rather a complete cessation of hostilities, what does that imply for the negotiations?
N: It means that the framework of negotiations becomes significantly more complex. A temporary ceasefire might buy time, but it does not address the underlying issues that led to the conflict in the first place. For Hamas, and many others involved, anything less than a complete cessation feels inadequate.
E: In your view, what are the key factors that need to be addressed for a lasting peace in the region?
N: There are several critical factors. First, the humanitarian crisis must be addressed – the needs of civilians are paramount. Secondly, long-term political solutions must involve all stakeholders, including those who may currently be outside the negotiations. trust-building measures will be essential, as past experiences have left many skeptical about truces.
E: Based on your experience, what role do you think external mediators can play in this situation?
N: External mediators are vital. They can provide neutral ground for discussions, leverage influence over conflicting parties, and bring resources to facilitate humanitarian needs. However, their effectiveness often hinges on their perceived impartiality and the trust they have from the parties involved.
E: We know that parties in conflict often have entrenched narratives. How do you think these can be reconciled for the peace process to move forward?
N: Narratives are indeed a significant barrier. Reconciliation requires listening to all sides, acknowledging grievances, and creating a platform where each party can express their concerns. This often means moving beyond political rhetoric to find shared human experiences and common goals.
E: So, if Hamas is advocating for a complete end to the war, how do you see the dynamics between them and, say, other factions or states that might have different interests at play?
N: The dynamics are very tense. Each group has its own agenda and understanding of what peace looks like. Hamas’ call for a complete end to hostilities may not align with the objectives of other factions or external states, which may have vested interests in maintaining a status quo or pursuing limited objectives. It ultimately complicates any potential agreement.
E: As we look to the future, what steps do you think need to be taken by both local and international actors to foster a more peaceful environment in Gaza?
N: Firstly, immediate humanitarian needs must be prioritized by both local authorities and international organizations. Secondly, a comprehensive dialogue must be established that includes all relevant stakeholders and that addresses historical grievances and future aspirations. International actors should also support grassroots peace initiatives to build trust from the ground up.
E: Dr. Nabil, thank you for your insights. The complexity of the situation cannot be overstated, and it’s clear that a multifaceted approach is essential for achieving lasting peace in Gaza.
N: Thank you for having me. I hope that we can see positive developments soon, as the lives of so many depend on it.
E: Thank you for joining us today. We look forward to hearing more from you as the situation unfolds.