Ceasefire stalls as 'Israel' demands control over one-third of Gaza
Describing the situation as "difficult and complex," the source confirmed that no agreement has been reached on any of the core issues, with the occupation's intransigence obstructing progress.
The Israeli delegation, the source revealed, is demanding to retain control over more than a third of the Gaza Strip, insisting on full authority over Rafah and maintaining a military buffer exceeding two kilometers along the eastern and northern borders.
Compounding the crisis, the source added that "Israel" is pushing to preserve the current mechanism for humanitarian aid delivery, routes Palestinians have condemned as "death traps" due to their exposure to sniper fire and bombings.
These routes, established unilaterally by the occupation, have repeatedly endangered civilians and obstructed life-saving assistance.
Read more: GHF proposed 'transit areas' plan prior to Gaza residents 'relocation'
Despite the deadlock, the Palestinian Resistance movement Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to a just and comprehensive ceasefire that would end the genocidal war waged on Gaza since October 7, 2023.
In a statement released Wednesday, Hamas stressed it is engaging "seriously and positively" with mediators, determined to overcome the deliberate obstructions imposed by the occupying power.
Hamas underscored that central demands remain unmet: the immediate and full withdrawal of all occupation forces, the unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and a permanent cessation of hostilities.
Earlier this week, Hamas, in coordination with other Palestinian factions, submitted a unified response to mediators reflecting a national consensus. The joint position, forged through extensive consultations, was hailed as a demonstration of responsible Palestinian leadership and a collective commitment to ending the massacre unfolding in Gaza.
In contrast, Israeli officials have stated that any truce would be conditional on the disarmament of Hamas. "If Hamas refuses, we'll proceed," one Israeli official warned, underscoring the continued threat of escalation.
The so-called Witkoff Plan, pushed by the Trump administration, offers a 60-day ceasefire with phased military withdrawals and prisoner exchanges. But Palestinians fear it may serve to entrench Israeli control while delaying meaningful change.
Read more: Gaza ceasefire could happen by end of week: Witkoff
Meanwhile, the humanitarian catastrophe deepens. On Wednesday, Israeli warplanes targeted civilians waiting for food aid in Deir al-Balah, killing and injuring scores amid growing starvation. The death toll in Gaza has now surpassed 57,000, as famine, displacement, and relentless bombardment ravage the population under siege.
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