Hamas Leader Suggests Unlikely Cease-Fire Deal Before Ramadan
Hamas leader Hussam Badran recently stated that a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas is unlikely to be reached before the start of Ramadan. This announcement comes after Israel agreed to some of Hamas’ terms, only for the militant group to increase their demands for a permanent cease-fire with control of Gaza.
Despite the setback, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew remains optimistic about the ongoing negotiations. He believes that there is still a possibility of an agreement being reached before Ramadan.
The focus of the current negotiations is on a phase one agreement, which involves the exchange of hostages for a cease-fire. The conflict between Israel and Hamas began in October, resulting in casualties on both sides. A brief cease-fire agreement in November resulted in the release of some hostages, but many more remain in captivity.
The United States has urged all parties involved to come to an agreement before Ramadan, but the likelihood of a deal being reached before then is decreasing. Both Israel and Hamas have expressed their willingness to continue negotiating in order to reach a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
As tensions remain high in the region, hopes are still high that a deal can be brokered before the start of Ramadan. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
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