Gaza City – Hamas announced on Thursday that it has informed mediators it will not engage in further negotiations while the current aggression persists. However, the organization expressed its readiness to enter into a “complete agreement” that includes a prisoner exchange if Israel ceases its military actions.
Mediation efforts, primarily led by Egypt and Qatar, have struggled to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Both parties have consistently blamed each other for the breakdown in talks. The latest declaration from Hamas came as Israel continued its offensive on Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, despite an International Court of Justice (ICJ) order demanding an end to the attacks.
“Hamas and the Palestinian factions will not accept to be part of this policy by continuing (ceasefire) negotiations in light of the aggression, siege, starvation, and genocide of our people,” stated Hamas.
“Today, we informed the mediators of our clear position that if the occupation stops its war and aggression against our people in Gaza, our readiness (is) to reach a complete agreement that includes a comprehensive exchange deal,” the statement added.
The conflict has resulted in nearly 36,000 Palestinian deaths across Gaza, according to the health ministry. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with international calls for a ceasefire and a resolution to the hostilities intensifying.
