Hamas will send a delegation to Cairo Thursday to follow up on the counterproposal it offered, the group's spokesman Osama Hamdan said at a press conference in Beirut on Wednesday.
"In the context of our keenness to achieve the best results in a way that serves the interests of our people, stops their suffering, and alleviates their pain, by stopping the aggression against our people and by achieving complete relief entrance, lifting the siege, and launching reconstruction; we confirm that a delegation from the movement’s leadership, headed by Dr. Khalil Al-Hayya will head to Cairo to follow up on this matter," Hamdan said on Hamas-operated Al-Aqsa TV.
Hamdan called the Hamas counterproposal a "positive response" that "guarantees reconstruction, lifting the siege, and releasing prisoners."
CNN reported on Wednesday that Hamas has presented its response, proposing a three-phase deal — each lasting 45 days — that would see the gradual release of hostages held in the enclave in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israel, as well as the start of a massive humanitarian and rebuilding effort. Contrary to earlier demands, Hamas did not call for an immediate end to the war.
Negotiations for a permanent ceasefire would take place during the truce, and the remaining hostages would only be released once a final deal to end the war was agreed, the document said.
Hamdan condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for saying Wednesday that he has not committed to the "crazy demands" of Hamas and that Israel's aim is "complete victory." He also called on the US to stop supporting Israel.