Hamas's position in its response to U.S. President Donald Trump's ceasefire plan for Gaza is rational and responsible, Ahmed Majdalani, a member of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee said on Sunday, adding that Israel's and the U.S.' erratic behavior in past negotiations makes a smooth progression of this plan unlikely.
Hamas (Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement) announced on Friday that it has submitted its response to the Gaza peace proposal to regional and international mediators, saying it has agreed in principle to release all Israeli hostages, both living and deceased.
The plan calls for a ceasefire, a phased Israeli withdrawal, international oversight of reconstruction, and the release of hostages within 72 hours. In exchange, Israel would free Palestinian prisoners, and Hamas fighters who disarm could receive amnesty or safe passage.
Ahmed Majdalani, also secretary general of the Palestinian Popular Struggle Front, gave recognition to Hamas' response to the U.S. 20-point plan in an interview with China Central Television (CCTV).
"If Hamas does not agree to the U.S. 20-point plan, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu will have an excuse to continue waging war. We believe the position expressed by Hamas in its statement is rational and responsible," he said.
Following Hamas' response, Israel should implement a ceasefire, Ahmed Majdalani said.
However, given how capriciously Israel and the United States acted in previous negotiations, it is difficult to believe this plan will proceed smoothly, he added.
"The predicament we currently face also stems from the United States' fickleness which Netanyahu tries to exploit to Israel's advantage, creating hidden risks for the implementation of the current plan. We have long been accustomed to Israel's persistent trouble-making with the attempt to obstruct the execution of any agreement," Ahmed Majdalani said.
Regarding the post-war administration of the Gaza Strip, he said that certain forces are attempting to exclude the Palestinian Authority or the PLO from Gaza affairs, adding that such schemes will not succeed.
"The vast majority of countries in the international community recognize the legitimate government of Palestine. In accordance with international law and relevant resolutions of international legitimacy, (the legitimate government of Palestine) has political, geographical, and legal jurisdiction over all Palestinian territories, including the Gaza Strip," Ahmed Majdalani said.
A delegation from Hamas arrived in Egypt on Sunday to prepare for Monday's negotiations with the Egyptian side in the Red Sea city of Sharm El Sheikh. The two sides will hold talks on implementing the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan.
After the Hamas meeting, the Egyptian side will hold a separate meeting with an Israeli delegation.
Hamas' response to Gaza peace plan 'rational, responsible': Palestinian official
