Khalil al-Hayya, a senior member of the Hamas Political Bureau, announced on Al-Aqsa TV that Hamas had accepted a proposal to form a committee to administer Gaza, with the condition that its operations be entirely local.

In his statement regarding the ongoing Gaza ceasefire talks, al-Hayya said: “An idea has been proposed to establish a committee for the administration of Gaza. This suggestion was made by our Egyptian brothers. We have responded responsibly and positively. We accept this proposal on the condition that the committee will operate in a fully localized manner, overseeing all aspects of daily life in Gaza.”

Earlier this month, representatives from both the Hamas and Fatah movements convened in Cairo, Egypt, to discuss a potential ceasefire and the establishment of this administrative committee.

Commenting on the indirect ceasefire and prisoner exchange negotiations between Hamas and Israel, al-Hayya stated: “There will be no prisoner exchange until the Israeli genocide stops. This is an interconnected equation. We are very clear on this: we want this aggression to end. These attacks must cease before any prisoner exchange can take place.”

Al-Hayya added that Hamas remains ready for a ceasefire agreement but emphasized that Israel must demonstrate genuine willingness to proceed. “We are engaging with mediating countries to advance ceasefire negotiations. However, Netanyahu is hindering progress in these talks for political reasons,” he said.

Since the escalation of violence on October 7, 2023, indirect negotiations between the parties have continued, with countries like Qatar mediating ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreements. Both the United States and Egypt have played supporting roles in these efforts.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has faced criticism domestically and from the international community for failing to secure a prisoner exchange agreement with Hamas. Analysts highlight those additional conditions introduced by Israel, particularly its insistence on maintaining control over the Egypt-Gaza border and the Philadelphi Corridor, have further complicated the negotiations.

As Israeli attacks on the UN peacekeeping force on the Lebanese border persist, Argentina has announced the withdrawal of its personnel from UNIFIL. Despite the UN’s assertion that some attacks are deliberate, sanctions against Israel are not currently on the agenda.

Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, reported that attacks on the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) are ongoing, with evidence suggesting that certain incidents were “clearly deliberate.”

Speaking at a press conference at UN Headquarters in New York following a visit to the region, Lacroix expressed concern about continued clashes in southern Lebanon. He revealed that four UN personnel were injured by a bomb that struck the UNIFIL perimeter. Additionally, a UNIFIL patrol came under fire, and five rockets hit a maintenance workshop within the UN compound. While these attacks caused significant structural damage, there were no reported casualties.

Although Lacroix refrained from identifying those responsible, he emphasized the obligation of all parties to ensure the safety of UN personnel and facilities. He stated: “We remind all parties of their obligations to ensure and protect the security of UN personnel and facilities.”

Addressing whether these attacks were intentional, Lacroix clarified: “It is difficult to speak about all cases, but we have some videos that show that some attacks were clearly intentional, even implying something more than intentional.”

Lacroix also highlighted another category of incidents he described as “semi-intentional,” where military operations near UN positions expose peacekeepers to danger. He underscored the responsibility of all parties to safeguard UN peacekeepers.

Responding to inquiries about white phosphorus bombs allegedly used by Israel in southern Lebanon, Lacroix confirmed ongoing investigations by the UN. He reiterated the call for adherence to international law to protect civilians.

Separately, Lacroix announced Argentina’s decision to withdraw its personnel from UNIFIL. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti later confirmed the withdrawal, noting that Argentina had “asked its personnel to return.” However, Tenenti declined to elaborate on the reasons for this decision.

According to the UN website, Argentina had a total of three personnel in Lebanon. Despite evidence and statements from UN officials suggesting deliberate attacks by Israel, sanctions against Israel remain absent from the agenda.

Amos Hochstein, senior adviser to U.S. President Joe Biden, stated that “there is a serious chance for a ceasefire” in Lebanon, where he arrived to mediate talks between Israel and Hezbollah.

Hochstein landed in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, to participate in ceasefire negotiations. According to Lebanon’s official news agency, NNA, his belongings underwent a detailed inspection as part of standard procedures at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport.

During his visit, Hochstein met with the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, Nabih Berri, at the Speaker’s residence in Beirut. After the meeting, he addressed the media, emphasizing:

“We have a real opportunity to end the conflict. We hope to find a solution in the coming days.”

Hochstein described his discussions with Berri as constructive, reiterating that “there is a serious chance for a ceasefire.” He added that the ultimate decision to end hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah rests with the involved parties.

While Hochstein did not take questions from reporters, he later held talks with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

Last week, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson presented a draft agreement for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah to Berri. The Lebanese press reported that Hezbollah recently delivered its feedback on the proposal to Berri.

A senior Lebanese official informed Reuters that Lebanon and Hezbollah had accepted the U.S. proposal but expressed certain reservations. This step has been described as the most advanced progress towards a ceasefire to date.

Ali Hassan Khalil, a close aide to Berri, commented to Reuters:

“Lebanon presented its comments on the proposal in a positive atmosphere. All our feedback confirms our full commitment to UN Resolution 1701 and its provisions.”

Khalil stressed that the success of the initiative now depends on Israel’s willingness to engage constructively. “If Israel does not want a solution, it could create 100 different problems,” he remarked.

Following his discussions in Beirut, Hochstein is expected to travel to Tel Aviv. However, Israel’s stance on the proposed ceasefire remains uncertain. Historical patterns, including instances where Israel has added new conditions or undermined agreements at critical moments, suggest a cautious approach. The outcome of Hochstein’s visit to Israel will likely determine whether a sustainable peace agreement can be reached.