According to Rai Al Youm, Hamas has delivered its final response to the compromise proposal for a ceasefire with Israel and the exchange of some hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
Hamas Politburo member Khalil al-Hayya presented the document to Gen. Abbas Kamel, head of the Egyptian General Intelligence Directorate. A senior Hamas official states that the proposed conditions are final and not subject to negotiation.
Hamas demands that the prisoner exchange begin only a week after the ceasefire comes into effect. Israel must promise to withdraw its troops from the sector, while Hamas must receive international guarantees that this will happen.
The ceasefire must be permanent, not temporary. Gazan residents who have left their homes should be able to return to their abandoned cities on a permanent basis. Humanitarian aid should also be provided to the sector on a permanent basis and without division into districts.
The deportation of released Palestinian prisoners is unacceptable – they must return to their homes. Israel must also release all 57 prisoners released under the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange deal and those newly arrested. Residents of the West Bank and "occupied" Jerusalem must also be released.
