Sat 22 March 2025:
Witkoff’s “bridge” plan, presented last week, aims to extend the Gaza ceasefire into April, beyond Ramadan and Passover, to allow time for negotiations on a permanent cessation of hostilities.
Hamas responded to the remarks made by Witkoff in a statement:
- Witkoff’s proposal, along with other ideas, is being discussed with mediators and contacts have continued in an effort to finalise the agreement.
- Netanyahu is the one obstructing the ceasefire deal. The resumption of its implementation depends on his position. He prioritises the survival of his government over the agreement and the lives of captives.
- We are open to any arrangements for the administration of Gaza that are agreed upon, but we have no interest in being part of them.
- We have agreed to form a community support committee in Gaza that does not include Hamas.
- We have no ambition to govern Gaza – our priority is national consensus and we are committed to its outcomes.
- The resumption of the war occurred with American backing. The US administration must not take sides but should instead pressure the occupation to return to the ceasefire agreement.
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Israel likely to pursue ‘long-term occupation, military administration of Gaza’
Dan Perry, former regional editor of The Associated Press in the Middle East, says the dynamics that had initially shaped the conflict have returned following Israel’s effective abandonment of the ceasefire deal and its decision to resume military operations on Gaza.
“Israel says it can longer stand this bellicose militia, armed to the teeth, on its border and it must go. And Hamas says it won’t return the hostages unless [Israel] ends the war and abandons that demand,” Perry told Al Jazeera.
“It seems to be complete and total loggerheads,” he said. “And the way it’s probably going to proceed, unless something else happens, is long-term Israeli occupation and military administration of the Gaza Strip, with US support.”
Such a scenario would likely involve Israel overseeing civilian life and assuming “complete security control” of Gaza, while facing an “armed insurgency [made up of] the remnants of Hamas” opposing them, Perry added.
“This is not a good outcome for anyone,” he said.
SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES
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