CAIRO/GAZA/JERUSALEM. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to convene his security cabinet on Thursday evening to discuss new positions from Hamas regarding a potential ceasefire deal in Gaza, according to a source in Netanyahu’s office. The meeting comes as fighting continues to rage in the enclave.
Before the cabinet session, Netanyahu will hold consultations with his ceasefire negotiations team. U.S. President Joe Biden is also scheduled to speak with Netanyahu on Thursday, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters.
Israel received Hamas’ response on Wednesday to a ceasefire proposal initially made public by Biden at the end of May. The proposal includes the release of approximately 120 hostages held in Gaza and a ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave.
A Palestinian official involved in the mediation efforts told Reuters that Hamas, which controls Gaza, has shown flexibility on certain clauses, potentially allowing for a framework agreement if Israel approves. However, two Hamas officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Hamas has insisted that any deal must end the war and lead to a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. In contrast, Israel maintains it will accept only temporary pauses in the fighting until Hamas is eradicated.
The proposed plan involves the gradual release of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza and the phased pullback of Israeli forces. Additionally, it includes the freeing of Palestinian prisoners. The final phase focuses on the reconstruction of the war-torn territory and the return of the remains of deceased hostages.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
