The United States has redrafted a proposal for a resolution to the UN Security Council regarding the war in Gaza so that it now calls for an "immediate cease-fire lasting approximately six weeks, along with the release of all hostages," as reported by the Reuters news agency.
The change is that until now the US had aligned itself with Israel and emphasized that the release of hostages would lead to a temporary ceasefire only, whereas now it is promising Hamas that the release will lead to a permanent and immediate ceasefire.
"The first phase of the ceasefire will also allow for a wave of humanitarian aid to the residents of Gaza, and will provide time and space to ensure more lasting arrangements and lasting calm," the White House statement said. Hamas, who apparently remains in a strong position since they are the ones calling the shots, is insisting that hostages are released only after a ceasefire goes into effect.
It was also reported that Hamas is saying that Washington's position is intended to shift the blame from Israel if the talks collapse. Senior Hamas official Basem Naim said that Hamas presented its own draft deal, and is awaiting a response from Israel, adding: "Netanyahu does not want to reach an agreement and the ball is now in the Americans' court."
As already reported in the past, Israel has so far refused to respond to the draft because its one condition - that Hamas provide it with a list of the names of hostages to be released - has been refused by the terrorist organization.
