Hamas: We are adhering to the existing ceasefire agreement.
According to Al Jazeera, Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem today announced that the group is adhering to the existing agreement in response to media reports about efforts to temporarily extend the ceasefire in Gaza.
Qassem said: “We adhere to what has already been agreed and are moving towards the second phase of the agreement.”
These statements come at a time when reports in the Zionist media indicate that the United States is seeking to extend the first phase of the ceasefire agreement as part of a temporary agreement in exchange for the release of more Zionist prisoners.
However, Qassem stressed that Hamas is seeking a permanent end to the war and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Israel has not fulfilled its humanitarian obligations under the ceasefire agreement.
The Hamas spokesman added: “We do not want to return to war, but if the occupying regime resumes its aggression, we will have no choice but to defend our people.”
These statements indicate a disagreement between the parties about the future of the ceasefire. While Israel and the United States are seeking a temporary extension of the ceasefire and the release of prisoners, Hamas is demanding a permanent end to the fighting and a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
The ongoing talks in Doha, the capital of Qatar, are being brokered by Egypt and Qatar. The talks are trying to find a lasting solution to the Gaza crisis, but have so far made little progress.