Hamas, the Islamist movement in Gaza, has expressed readiness for a comprehensive agreement with Israel if the ongoing conflict in Gaza ceases and the Rafah offensive is halted. In a statement on Thursday, Hamas stated that it would not engage in further negotiations amidst the ongoing aggression but would consider a complete agreement, including a potential exchange of hostages and prisoners, if Israel ends the war.
Mediation efforts, involving countries like Egypt and Qatar, have been ongoing to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. However, progress has been hampered by repeated stalls, with both sides attributing blame to each other for the lack of advancement. Despite an order from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to halt attacks, Israel has continued its offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
Hamas’s statement emphasized its refusal to participate in ceasefire negotiations while aggression, siege, starvation, and what it terms as “genocide” against the Palestinian people persist. The statement clarified Hamas’s position to mediators, indicating willingness to engage in a complete agreement contingent upon Israel ending its war and aggression in Gaza.
Israel has previously rejected offers from Hamas, deeming them insufficient, and remains determined to counter what it perceives as a group bent on its destruction. Israel’s offensive in Rafah is stated to be focused on rescuing hostages and targeting Hamas fighters.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, nearly 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s offensive across the region. The operation was launched in response to attacks by Hamas-led militants on southern Israeli communities last year, resulting in casualties and the seizure of hostages.
Sources By Agencies
