GAZA: Hamas official Osama Hamdan has stated that there is no immediate necessity for new negotiations with Israel, countering Israeli media reports suggesting a potential renewal of Gaza truce talks.
Speaking in a phone interview with Al Jazeera Arabic, Hamdan emphasized the priority for Israel to withdraw from the Gaza Strip and halt all aggression before considering further negotiations.
“We do not see a need for new negotiations,” asserted Hamdan, highlighting Hamas’s previous acceptance of a ceasefire proposal, which Israel declined. He cautioned against entering negotiations without serious guarantees, warning against granting Israel additional time for continued aggression.
Earlier this month, Hamas approved a ceasefire proposal for the ongoing seven-month Gaza conflict, proposed by mediators from Qatar and Egypt. However, Israel rejected the proposal, citing inadequacy.
Israeli media reports over the weekend suggested an intention by the Israeli government to recommence talks for a potential Gaza captive release deal in the near future, following discussions with mediators in Paris. The reports indicated a new framework drafted by the Israeli negotiating team, aiming to address previous points of contention.
Hamas remains steadfast in its stance that any ceasefire agreement must ensure a permanent cessation of hostilities, rejecting temporary arrangements. On the other hand, Israel maintains its position that the conflict will only conclude upon achieving its objectives, including the total defeat of Hamas.
As international pressure mounts on Israel to cease hostilities, recent developments include an International Court of Justice order to halt the Rafah offensive, efforts by the International Criminal Court to pursue arrest warrants against Israeli leaders, and growing recognition of Palestine by several countries.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are underway to achieve a ceasefire and reopen the Rafah crossing in Gaza. Washington has engaged in discussions with Israeli officials, and Cairo continues its efforts to facilitate negotiations and humanitarian aid delivery.
Despite speculation, a Hamas official denied reports of Gaza ceasefire talks resuming in Cairo on Tuesday, indicating a lack of confirmed dates for such discussions.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties and humanitarian challenges, with over thirty seven thousands Palestinians mostly women and children killed and injured. Israeli citizens have rallied for government action to secure the release of captives held in Gaza, while calls for political accountability and leadership change persist.
