Claim that Hamas has accepted the 'Gaza deal'

Diplomatic efforts to end the war in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas continue. Bishara Bahbah, a Palestinian-American businessman described as US President Donald Trump's unofficial envoy for Gaza negotiations, claimed that he presented Hamas with a new US proposal for a comprehensive agreement that envisions ending the war in exchange for the release of all Israeli hostages, and alleged that Hamas has accepted this proposal.

Speaking to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) press, Bahbah argued that Hamas officials were convinced after seeing the post shared by US President Donald Trump on his social media account yesterday, stating, "When they saw the President's post, they were convinced it was official. They accepted this deal. A comprehensive deal was what they wanted as well. They were demanding the release of a specific number of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the release of all hostages, and at the same time, an end to the war."

Stating that the US has increased its involvement in the process, Bahbah said, "Everything depends on the type and amount of pressure the US will exert to make Israel agree to any deal. Nothing will happen without US pressure."

Bahbah added, "There is currently a US proposal on the table. I do not know if the US is ready to confront Israel to implement this American vision. President Trump wants to end the war in Gaza."

TRUMP'S CALL TO HAMAS

US President Trump had issued a call to Hamas via his social media account yesterday. Asking Hamas to release not just a few, but all of the hostages, Trump said, "Tell Hamas to return all 20 hostages immediately. Things will change and end quickly."

In a statement released by Hamas a few hours after Trump's announcement, it was stated, "The movement once again emphasizes its readiness for a deal in which all enemy prisoners held by the resistance will be released in exchange for the release of a specific number of Palestinian prisoners held by the occupation. This deal will end the war on the Gaza Strip, lead to the withdrawal of occupation forces from the entire Gaza Strip, ensure the opening of border crossings for the entry of all the needs of the Gaza Strip, and initiate the reconstruction process."

The Office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated regarding the announcement from Hamas, "This is one of Hamas's manipulations that contains nothing new." Netanyahu's Office reiterated that the war could only end under the conditions of the release of all hostages, the disarmament of Hamas, the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, Israeli security control over the Gaza Strip, and the establishment of a civil administration that does not threaten Israel.

News Source: İHA