Middle East conflict: Mediator proposal: US government puts pressure on Hamas

The US government puts pressure on Islamist Hamas to follow a new intermediary proposal and immediately released several hostages. The National Security Council and the office of the special sent Steve Witkoff warned in a written statement that Hamas either had to release hostages immediately or “pay a high price”.

Witkoff and other US representatives recently presented an updated proposal for an updated proposal for an extension of the ceasefire between Israel and the Hamas at a mediator meeting in the Golf state of Qatar. According to this, Hamas would have to release several living hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, including an American-Israeli dual national. According to the US proposal, Israel should allow aid deliveries to Gaza again in return.

The Hamas has so far only accepted this in parts and initially only agreed to the release of a living hostage: the Islamist organization announced that it wanted to hand over to the Israeli-American dual national, as well as four dead hostages. The Israeli government described the offer as insufficient and manipulative.

The US government also reacted dissatisfied: “Unfortunately, Hamas decided to publicly assert flexibility, while it makes privately claims that are completely impractical without permanent ceasefire,” said the statement. The Hamas rely on “that the time is on its side. It is not.” If the Islamist organization does not meet all demands in time, the United States would “react accordingly”.