The Palestinian resistance rejected allegations made by the US Special Envoy on Thursday, claiming it had demonstrated full responsibility and flexibility through negotiations.
Hamas highlighted its commitment to end the attack and reach an agreement that would reduce the suffering of the people of the Gaza Strip.
The group expressed a true dedication to the success of its mediation efforts.
Hamas reiterated his enthusiasm in his statement to stop Israeli attacks and achieve a ceasefire that alleviates the difficulties facing the people of Gaza.
The movement noted that after extensive consultations with Palestinian factions, mediators and friendly countries, it submitted a final response.
“Hamas submitted a final response after extensive consultation, addressing all observations constructively and showing a genuine commitment to the success of the mediation efforts,” the statement read.
Hamas emphasized that the statements made by Steve Witkov contradicted the views of the intermediaries who welcomed Hamas’ constructive and positive stance.
The statement accused Hamas of “not acting in good faith” following Witkov’s announcement that he was withdrawing from the ceasefire talks.
“After Hamas’ latest response, we decided to bring the team home for consultation, which clearly shows the lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza,” Witkov posted on social media. “The mediators have put in great effort, but Hamas does not seem to be coordinated or acted in good faith.”
Witkov also said Washington would take the prisoners home, expressing disappointment at Hamas’ actions and consider alternative options to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza.
Hamas has made it clear that he only agrees to a ceasefire to stop Israeli invasion, but the administration insists on continuing military action even after the prisoner exchange.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office acknowledged that it received responses via mediators and said it was reviewing the content.
Despite indirect negotiations going on in Qatar, there has been no agreement. Tel Aviv accused Hamas of slowing down the process, but Palestinian groups argue that it was Israel that hampered progress by rejecting key conditions for a sustainable ceasefire.
The proposed ceasefire also includes a prisoner exchange involving Israeli prisoners still held in Gaza. Of the 251 people photographed on October 7, 2023, 49 were in captivity, with the Israeli military believing that 27 were dead.
Occupation groups demand that Hamas’ military and governance infrastructure be demolished, but Hamas claims a permanent ceasefire, a complete withdrawal of Israel and an unhindered flow of desperately needed humanitarian assistance.
The Israeli regime claims it has already accepted both Qatar and the updated US proposal.
This week, three more countries joined the original 25 countries that issued a recent joint statement calling for an immediate end to the war in Gaza, saying that Israel has not granted sufficient aid and demanded that it must do so in order to comply with international humanitarian law.
“We, the signatories listed below, must now end the war in Gaza, with a simple and urgent message,” the original statement, released on July 21st. “The suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths. The Israeli government’s model of assistance delivery is dangerous, promoting instability and depriving Gazas of human dignity.”
The Israeli regime’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance to civilians is unacceptable. Israel must comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law, the statement further stated.
The statement was initially signed by foreign ministers of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy and Japan. Malta and Cyprus also signed a statement as of July 22nd.
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