Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh published a statement today (Tuesday), addressing for the first time the plan for the release of captives that was published yesterday. In the statement, he did not outright reject the plan being formulated in Paris but rather stated that Hamas has received the proposal, is studying it, and will submit its response.
"The organization is open to discussing any serious and practical proposal or idea, on the condition that the cruel aggression in Gaza ceases entirely and there is a complete withdrawal of occupation forces from the Strip," he wrote in the statement.
He also explained that "the leadership of the movement has received an invitation to visit Cairo to discuss the agreement formulated in Paris and negotiate the terms to ensure that we achieve our national interests."
As a reminder, yesterday, Hamas completely rejected the offer, insisting in an official statement released by the terrorist organization: "First and foremost – stop the war and withdraw forces from Gaza." Now it seems that they are exploring how to step back from their initial rejection, and they are not ruling out the plan entirely.
Earlier, it was reported that after Hamas's response yesterday, the IDF responded forcefully, and the battles in Khan Yunis intensified.
