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Hamas: ‘We have softened demands at request of mediators and Trump’s envoy’
An official from Hamas has stated that the organization has adjusted its demands in light of mediation negotiations.
According to Haaretz, spokesperson Abdul Latif al-Qanou was quoted as saying:
We have eased our demands following requests from mediators and Trump’s envoy, and we are now waiting for the negotiation outcomes. It’s Israel’s responsibility to progress to the next phase.
The ongoing discussions aim to cease hostilities, facilitate troop withdrawals, and initiate the rebuilding of the Gaza region. We have agreed to the Egyptian proposal to create a committee focused on the administration and reconstruction of Gaza.
The recent decision by Israel to halt electricity supplies along with discussions about resuming combat poses a significant risk to the hostages. Their release will necessitate negotiations.
Reports indicate that Israel will send a delegation to Qatar to pursue ongoing discussions. This decision comes alongside Israel’s announcement over the weekend to cut electricity to Gaza, which Hamas labeled as an act of coercion.
Summary of the day …
Syria’s Defense Ministry has declared the successful conclusion of military operations against remnants of the Assad regime.
Hassan Abdul Ghany, a spokesperson from Syria’s Defense Ministry, confirmed through social media that following these military actions, public services could resume. He stated, “We are facilitating a return to normalcy and ensuring security and stability.”
Israel is expected to dispatch a mediation team to Qatar on Monday to continue delicate discussions regarding the release of hostages in Gaza and to negotiate a ceasefire with Hamas.
Over the weekend, Israel announced its intention to stop all remaining electricity supplies to Gaza. In a video, Eli Cohen, the energy minister, expressed that all available means would be employed to ensure the return of Israeli hostages, also stating that Hamas would not remain post-conflict. Hamas described this move as “unacceptable blackmail.”
A spokesperson for Hamas remarked that they have adjusted their expectations for the negotiations surrounding a ceasefire and hostage release, emphasizing their readiness to await mediators’ deliberations.
In Australia, federal police have confirmed that a caravan equipped with explosives discovered in Sydney was part of a “fake terrorism plot” intended to incite public fear without the capacity to inflict mass casualties.
According to the Australian federal police deputy commissioner, Krissy Barrett, investigators concluded that the episode was fabricated by criminals aiming to divert attention from their illegal activities.
The motive behind the incident involved distracting law enforcement from organized crime and misleading incarcerated individuals into crafting stories for leniency.
“This investigation’s findings should not undermine the genuine fear experienced by the Jewish community following multiple incidents, including vandalism of synagogues and an arson attempt at a childcare facility,” stated David Ossip, president of the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies.
China has called for an immediate cessation of violence from all parties involved in Syria. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning expressed concern over the increased civilian casualties stemming from the recent clashes.
Mao urged involved parties to immediately halt armed confrontations and to respect and ensure civilian safety while emphasizing the need for an inclusive reconstruction plan that reflects the will of the Syrian populace.
IDF to replace Daniel Hagari with new official spokesperson Effie Defrin
Israel has announced the appointment of BG Effie Defrin as the new official spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces, taking over from Rr Adm Daniel Hagari in a transition described as orderly and professional.
According to an IDF statement, Defrin’s appointment was endorsed by the new chief of staff, Eyal Zamir, and received approval from Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz.
Israel to send negotiating team to Qatar after electricity cut to Gaza threat
An Israeli negotiating team is set to travel to Qatar to continue discussions regarding the release of hostages and to negotiate ceasefire terms with Hamas.
It has been reported that this delegation will feature key figures including the government coordinator for the hostages Gal Hirsch and senior adviser Ophir Falk of Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration. Additionally, US special envoy Steve Witkoff is anticipated to arrive in Doha later this week to further facilitate discussions.
Israel reiterated over the weekend its plans to terminate any remaining electricity outputs to Gaza. In a directive delivered through video, Minister Eli Cohen stated that all means would be employed to secure the return of all Israeli hostages, while asserting that Hamas would not be allowed to remain in Gaza following the conflict. Hamas condemned this decision as “cheap and unacceptable blackmail.”
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