Daijiworld Media Network - Gaza
Gaza, Dec 8: Hamas has framed its October 7, 2023 assault as an “act of defense,” using the narrative to project defiance and hint that violence could resume if ceasefire terms fall short of its demands.
The group has also indicated a rare willingness to consider “freezing or storing” its weapons as part of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire plan with Israel. Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim said the proposal was aimed at preventing a fresh escalation as negotiations move into a more sensitive second phase.
The ongoing truce, which paused Israel’s prolonged offensive in Gaza launched after the October 7 attack, has so far centred on the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Only the remains of one Israeli hostage are believed to still be in Gaza as both sides prepare to enter the next stage of talks.