Shafaqna India:On Monday, a senior Hamas leader accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of introducing new conditions that were not part of previous discussions, indicating a lack of interest in reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza that would facilitate a hostage-prisoner exchange.
Hussam Badran, who handles national relations for Hamas, told Anadolu that Netanyahu’s actions show a disinterest in finalizing a deal. He criticized Netanyahu for adding new stipulations whenever there seems to be progress in negotiations or agreements between Hamas and the mediators.
Earlier, US President Joe Biden expressed skepticism about Netanyahu’s commitment to securing a hostage swap with Hamas. Badran also highlighted that Israel’s recent decision to remain in the Gaza-Egypt border area, known as the Philadelphi Corridor, contradicts previous proposals and agreements.
Efforts by the US, Qatar, and Egypt to broker a ceasefire and facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza have been stalled due to Netanyahu’s reluctance to meet Hamas’ demands to halt the conflict. Badran emphasized that Hamas’s goal is to end the violence and destruction in Gaza and that their negotiating positions are aligned with broader Palestinian interests, including consultation with other Palestinian groups.
Badran also expressed appreciation for Turkey’s stance on the situation and welcomed support from any Arab or Islamic country for Gaza, whether through political, humanitarian, or public efforts.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 40,700 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured more than 94,100, according to local health authorities. The blockade of Gaza has caused severe shortages of essential supplies, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Israel’s actions in Gaza have led to allegations of genocide being brought against it at the International Court of Justice.