[Tee tiong huat]

Hamas says it dropped demand Israel vow upfront to end war, but wants mediators’ guarantees. Terror group seeking commitments that fighting won’t restart, negotiations will continue; Israel reportedly displaying 'tough stance'. CIA chief said set to join talks in Doha. Hamas has given initial approval for a US-backed proposal for a phased truce and hostage exchange deal in Gaza, dropping a key demand that Israel give an upfront commitment for a complete end to the war, a Hamas and an Egyptian official said Saturday.

At same time, a key stumbling block appeared to be Hamas’s desire for “written guarantees” from mediators that Israel will continue to negotiate a permanent ceasefire deal once first phase of a ceasefire goes into effect. Hamas representative told Associated Press the group’s approval came after it received “verbal commitments & guarantees” from mediators that war won’t be resumed & that negotiations will continue until a permanent ceasefire is reached. “Now we want these guarantees on paper,” he said

https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-says...uarantees/