After Hamas denied claims that it had set new demands for negotiations, asserting that it is "flexible and positive" in the talks and confirming the deal "immediately," the Prime Minister's Office condemned the terror group, stating that Sinwar continues to oppose the agreement. As reported late last night (Wednesday to Thursday) by Sky News Arabia, a Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya met in Doha with the Qatari Prime Minister and the Egyptian intelligence chief to discuss developments in the negotiations. During the meeting, Hamas expressed its positive stance and flexibility towards the ceasefire agreement, saying it would "advance the interests of our people and pave the way for a prisoner exchange deal, relief for our people, the return of displaced persons, and reconstruction."
Hamas also stated that "we confirm the organization's readiness to implement the ceasefire agreement immediately based on President Biden's declaration on May 31 and Security Council Resolution 2735, and what was previously agreed upon, particularly the July 2 agreements, without setting any new conditions, and rejecting any new conditions on the situation." They further rejected any projects related to the post-conflict period in the Gaza Strip, stating that "managing the strip is an internal Palestinian matter that should be agreed upon and aligned with the Palestinian vision." Additionally, Sky News Arabia reported that Hamas demands President Biden exert pressure on Netanyahu, alleging that Netanyahu "has set new conditions for the deal, chief among them the positioning of Israeli forces along the Philadelphi route."
The Prime Minister's Office quickly responded: "Hamas is trying to hide the fact that it continues to oppose the deal for the release of hostages and is sabotaging it. While Israel accepted the 'final mediation proposal' presented by the United States on August 16, 2024, Hamas rejected the offer and even cold-bloodedly murdered six of our hostages. The world must demand that Hamas release our hostages immediately."
