Hamas refuses to consider deal unless Israel unilaterally withdraws from Gaza

Hamas reiterated on Thursday night that it intends to end ongoing negotiations with Israel, which would see the hostages being held in the Gaza Strip released in exchange for a ceasefire and the release of terrorists in Israeli custody, unless Israel first ends the war in Gaza.

Hamas “will not accept to be part of this policy by continuing negotiations in light of the aggression, siege, starvation and genocide of our people,” the organisations said, according to Reuters.

“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 terror group said.

Of the 252 people whom Hamas and other terrorists kidnapped on Oct. 7 and took to Gaza, 125 remain in the Strip.

Israel previously said that Hamas’s demand to end the war in return for the freedom of some hostages was “delusional.”

John Kirby, the National Security Council communications advisor, told reporters on Wednesday that there is a new proposal as part of renewed indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

“Another proposal now is on the table, a fresh one, and we are doing everything we can to see if we can’t get that advanced because it could lead to the ceasefire in a temporary way that could also lead to something more sustained,” Kirby said.

“Our view and our opinion is we got to get this hostage deal now. The time is now to do it, to get that temporary ceasefire, and to end this conflict as soon as possible,” Kirby added.

Source » thejc.com