Hamas’ senior official reiterated the group’s firm stance in the latest round of negotiations to halt the ongoing conflict in Gaza: there will be no acceptance of a truce agreement unless it guarantees a complete cessation of the war, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The unnamed official condemned Israeli attempts to secure a hostage-release agreement without addressing the root cause of the conflict – the aggression on Gaza.
Israeli Accusation Against Hamas
This statement follows accusations from a top Israeli official who claimed that Hamas’s insistence on ending the war was obstructing the path to an agreement. Despite months of diplomatic efforts mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the United States of America, no breakthrough has been achieved like the temporary ceasefire last November, which saw the release of 105 hostages, including Israelis and Palestinians.
Key Negotiating Points
The Hamas official warned of the grave consequences of an Israeli invasion of Rafah, emphasizing that the responsibility for escalating the conflict would rest solely on Israel’s shoulders. With over half of Gaza’s population seeking shelter in Rafah, any military operation there could lead to catastrophic consequences, according to the WHO (World Health Organization).
Protests in Israel
Meanwhile, thousands of Israelis took to the streets in Tel Aviv demanding swift action to bring home the remaining hostages held by Hamas. The prolonged captivity of these people has fuelled political tensions within Israel, with protesters accusing Netanyahu of prolonging the war for personal gain.
