GAZA, Palestinian Territories: Hamas will respond to an Israeli truce proposal for Gaza “within a very short period,” an official with the Palestinian militant group said Wednesday, stressing though that any ceasefire needs to be permanent.
Hamas is considering a plan for a 40-day ceasefire and the exchange of scores of hostages for larger numbers of Palestinian prisoners.
Suhail Al-Hindi, a senior Hamas official, told AFP the group would “deliver its response clearly within a very short period,” although he would not say precisely when that was expected to happen.
Speaking to AFP by phone from an undisclosed location, he said it was premature to say whether the Hamas envoys, who have returned from talks in Cairo to their base in Qatar, felt any progress was made.
He stressed the aim was “to reach an end to this war.”
But that would seem to be at odds with Israel’s determination to push ahead with its vast ground offensive in southern Gaza.
A source with knowledge of the negotiations said Qatari mediators expected a response from Hamas in one or two days.
The source said Israel’s proposal contained “real concessions” including a period of “sustainable calm” following an initial pause in fighting and the exchange of hostages of and prisoners.
The source said Israel’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip remained a likely point of contention.
An Israeli official told AFP the government “will wait for answers until Wednesday night,” and then “make a decision” whether to send envoys to Cairo to nail down a deal.
Hamas official insists Gaza ceasefire must be permanent
https://arab.news/gqccn
Hamas official insists Gaza ceasefire must be permanent
- Suhail Al-Hindi, a senior Hamas official said the group would “deliver its response clearly within a very short period“
- He stressed the aim was “to reach an end to this war“
Saudi, Omani navies launch Winds of Peace 2026 training
- Saudi warships, including HMS Al-Diriyah, are participating in naval exercises in Gulf of Oman
- Drills involve 10 combat ships, helicopters, 2 platoons of special maritime security units, Royal Air Force of Oman
LONDON: The Royal Saudi Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman on Monday launched their Winds of Peace 2026 naval training as part of efforts to strengthen military cooperation.
Brig. Gen. Mohammed bin Ayed Al-Otaibi said that the drills aimed to enhance maritime security by exchanging experiences, unifying concepts, and improving the navies’ roles in monitoring and protecting maritime navigation lines.
Al-Otaibi, the Saudi exercise commander, added that the naval drills featured advanced maritime operational scenarios involving 10 combat ships, helicopters, two platoons of special maritime security units, and the Royal Air Force of Oman.
Saudi warships, including HMS Al-Diriyah, are participating in naval exercises in the Gulf of Oman, while forces will conduct special maritime maneuvers at the Said bin Sultan Naval Base. Forces are to conduct vertical maritime flight exercises, along with rocket and live ammunition shooting exercises, Al-Otaibi said.
The naval forces of Saudi Arabia and Oman conducted maritime exercises in April 2025 at King Faisal Naval Base in Jeddah, located on the Red Sea, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
