Hamas has rejected an Egyptian proposal for a ceasefire that would require the militant Palestinian movement to give up control of the Gaza Strip.
According to Egyptian sources, Cairo has been trying to get Hamas and other Palestinian militants to give up power so that elections can be held in the Gaza Strip after the war. It is not clear what Israel’s position is on the Egyptian proposal.
The plan, which Egypt proposed with the support of mediator Qatar, would involve a permanent ceasefire and the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip. Hamas fighters and other militants would be assured that they would not be prosecuted if they relinquish control in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas has rejected the idea. Hamas has previously said there must be a ceasefire before releasing any more hostages. At the end of November, Israel and Hamas agreed to a temporary ceasefire. Hamas then released hostages, Israel released Palestinian prisoners.