According to a statement issued by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, a hostage deal remains stalled due to an “unacceptable” condition demanded by Hamas. The condition in question would not only end the current conflict, but also prevent Israel from retaliating if Hamas were to violate the agreement.
Israel’s previous proposal had included a vaguely worded clause allowing them to resume fighting if Hamas failed to abide by the terms. However, Hamas continues to insist on a more restrictive clause, which has been met with resistance from Israel. “Hamas continues to insist on a principle clause in the outline that would prevent Israel from resuming fighting after phase one of the deal — something that is unacceptable to Israel,” stated a senior Israeli security official.
The fact that Hamas is the primary obstacle to a deal has become widely acknowledged, even by the Biden administration, which has been urging Israel to reach an agreement to free the remaining 120 hostages, many of whom are still alive. In contrast, Israel’s war goals extend beyond hostage liberation, aiming to also destroy Hamas and ensure Gaza poses no future threat to the country. Meanwhile, Hamas’s primary objective is simply to survive and declare victory.
