Informed sources confirmed that Hamas demanded that Israel agree in advance to an initial cessation of fighting for a period of 12 weeks instead of 6 weeks, noting that this demand created a major obstacle regarding the truce negotiations in Gaza.

Three informed sources told CNN that Israeli officials strongly oppose agreeing to this request, because they believe that it will not differ from agreeing to an actual end to the war.

A senior US administration official said that Israel has made clear that it wants to reserve the right to dismantle the four remaining Hamas brigades in Rafah and also that it “needs to maintain the flexibility to continue the war to do so.”

He added that Israel cannot do this if the first 6-week ceasefire period moves to the second phase, where “sustainable calm” is supposed to be restored in Gaza, according to Hamas’ proposal.

The sources added that Hamas agreed to enter into negotiations during the first 6 weeks of the cessation of hostilities, which requires that the two parties first reach terms before the second phase of the truce, which lasts for an additional 6 weeks, enters into force. The sources described Hamas’ new demand as “a clear retreat.” “.

For their part, Israeli officials privately admit that a months-long ceasefire would make it difficult to resume the war and return Israeli forces to Gaza, effectively ending the war.