Report: Hamas Interested In Long-Term Ceasefire

Hamas has been actively seeking a long-term ceasefire, according to a document in the possession of the Mideast Quartet envoy Tony Blair, The Times of Israel reported on Monday.

Israeli officials confirmed that they received a series of messages from Hamas proposing a ceasefire lasting for several years, in exchange for an end to the Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip, sources said.

However, later on Monday, Hamas denied the report, saying they did not discuss a truce with anyone, according to The Jerusalem Post.

Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri did acknowledge that some international parties had made such a proposal to Hamas. But Hamas gave no reply, he said.

In conversations with diplomats, Hamas reportedly presented different offers for a ceasefire with Israel. One of the drafts reached The Times, with the following clauses:

1) All forms of military conflict between Israel and the Palestinians will cease.

2) Israel will commit to removing the blockade on Gaza, including: opening all crossings around Gaza; permitting unfettered import and export from Gaza; allowing the construction of a sea and air port.

3) The “tahdiyya” (ceasefire) will last between three and five years, starting from the moment the agreement is signed, but the two sides will finalize the exact length of the ceasefire.

This article appeared in print on page 7 of the March 10th, 2015 edition of Hamodia.