Hamas military leader in Gaza objects to ceasefire plan, BBC understands

[Sanjeev]

According to the BBC, a Hamas military leader in Gaza opposes the ceasefire agreement. Five hours prior Rushdi Abualouf, Istanbul-based Gaza correspondent Save and Share Reuters In Gaza City, Palestinians observe smoke rising during an Israeli military attack. The leader of Hamas's military wing in Gaza has been contacted by mediators, but he has stated that he disagrees with the current US ceasefire proposal. Although some of Hamas' political officials in Qatar are said to be amenable to accepting it with modifications, their power has been curtailed because they have no authority over the hostages that the organization holds. Only 20 of the 48 hostages that the armed group is reportedly holding in Palestinian territory are believed to be alive.

 

[gwolf666]

The news of a Hamas military leader's rejection of the ceasefire agreement reflects the complexity of the conflict in Gaza. Although on paper the negotiations sound like a step toward peace, the reality is much more complicated because the factions within Hamas do not appear to be aligned. While some political representatives in Qatar believe the US proposal could be accepted with adjustments, the lack of direct control over the hostages deprives them of real power at the negotiating table. This demonstrates that decisions depend not only on a political front, but also on the orders of the military wings in Gaza, which are responsible for managing the situation of the captives. The number of hostages and the uncertainty over how many are still alive add another level of tension. All of this makes any hope of an immediate agreement much more difficult.