Bassem Naim, a senior member of Hamas’ political bureau, has announced the group’s readiness to agree to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, contingent on Israel respecting the terms of the proposal. Speaking from Doha, Qatar, Naim also urged US President-elect Donald Trump to exert pressure on Israel to halt its military operations in the region.
“Hamas is ready to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip if a proposal is presented and on the condition that the proposal is respected by Israel,” Naim stated in an interview with AFP. He further called on the incoming US administration to play a role in mediating and ending the conflict.
The statement follows Qatar’s recent decision to suspend its mediation efforts for a ceasefire until both parties demonstrate “willingness and seriousness” to resolve the conflict. “Qatar would resume those efforts…when the parties show their willingness and seriousness,” Majed Al Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s foreign ministry, declared earlier this week.
The war in Gaza began with Hamas’ coordinated attacks on Israel on October 7 last year, which resulted in the deaths of 1,206 people, mostly civilians, according to the Israeli government. Additionally, 251 hostages were taken by Hamas militants, of whom 97 remain in captivity, according to the Israeli military. Among those, 34 hostages are reported to have died.
Sources By Agencies
