Reports: Hamas puts tough demands on the table, Will a new ceasefire hold? 

Hamas’ Conditions for Ceasefire Extension and Negotiations with Israel

According to sources within the Hamas leadership, reported by Asharq Al-Awsat, the mediators are working around the clock to bridge the gaps between the different positions of the parties involved.

Hamas has made it clear that its priority is to end the ongoing conflict, with a key demand for guarantees surrounding the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. This includes the vital issue of the Philadelphi Corridor, which Hamas views as a crucial element of the overall peace process. The group has emphasized that any agreement must include conditions for the cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, reconstruction efforts, and the lifting of the aid blockade on Gaza.

To manage these ongoing negotiations, Hamas has established an operations room for the mediators, through which they coordinate with both Hamas leadership and the Israeli government. The mediators are also in constant communication with the U.S. to ensure that all parties are aligned and working towards a common goal. However, despite the ongoing efforts, sources within Hamas have reported that the current stage of negotiations has not yet led to any significant breakthroughs. The main obstacle is Israel’s refusal to commit to fulfilling the required terms of the first phase of the agreement and its reluctance to proceed to discussions on the second phase.

According to these sources, a delegation from Hamas is expected to travel to Cairo shortly for further discussions. These talks will focus on the current situation in Gaza, review Egypt’s proposed plan for the region's future, and assess the details of the committee that will oversee Gaza’s governance. Hamas has reiterated to the mediators, including Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., that it is ready to proceed with the agreement, but only with concrete assurances that its conditions regarding the ceasefire, withdrawal, reconstruction, and the end of the blockade will be fully implemented.