Hamas Rejects New Israeli Conditions in Gaza Ceasefire Talks

Hamas announced its rejection of new Israeli conditions in the Gaza ceasefire talks, complicating efforts to end the 10-month-old war. Key issues in the negotiations include Israeli presence in the Philadelphi Corridor and the screening of displaced Palestinians returning to Gaza. Mediators include the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar.

Hamas announced on Sunday its rejection of new Israeli conditions in the ongoing Gaza ceasefire negotiations, casting further doubt on the possibility of a breakthrough in the current U.S.-backed effort to end the 10-month conflict.

Months of intermittent talks have yet to yield an agreement to end Israel's extensive military campaign in Gaza or secure the release of hostages captured by Hamas on October 7. Key issues include the Israeli presence in the Philadelphi Corridor, a strategic 14.5 km stretch along Gaza's southern border with Egypt.

Hamas claims Israel has reneged on its earlier commitment to withdraw troops and has added new terms, such as screening displaced Palestinians returning to northern Gaza. "We will not accept discussions about retractions from what we agreed on July 2 or new conditions," said Hamas official Osama Hamdan on Al-Aqsa TV. In July, Hamas accepted a U.S.-proposed plan to negotiate the release of Israeli hostages. Despite Hamas' recent submission of its latest response to mediators, Hamdan stated that U.S. claims of an imminent deal are inaccurate.

(With inputs from agencies.)