Hamas statement on ceasefire

Hamas has responded to a proposal for a 45-day ceasefire and disarmament in Gaza. In a statement regarding the matter, Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri indicated that they would respond to the ceasefire proposal as soon as possible, saying, "We are open to any proposal that will alleviate the suffering of our people." However, emphasizing that the disarmament of Hamas is unacceptable, Abu Zuhri stated, "The proposal presented to us is an Israeli proposal. And for the first time, within the scope of the second phase of negotiations, it includes the disarmament of the resistance. However, the weapons of the resistance are our red line a million times over. Putting aside the laying down of arms, even mentioning it is unacceptable." Underlining that Israel is trying to force Palestinians to surrender through its latest proposal, Abu Zuhri said, "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is setting impossible conditions to sabotage the ceasefire agreement."

"WE ARE READY TO RELEASE THE HOSTAGES"

Emphasizing that the latest proposal conveyed to Hamas does not commit to ending the war completely, but only seeks to retrieve the hostages, Abu Zuhri said, "We are ready to release all living and dead hostages immediately in exchange for an end to the war and the withdrawal of Israel from the Gaza Strip." Nevertheless, reiterating that they will not accept unconditional surrender, Abu Zuhri said, "Surrender is not an option for the Hamas movement. We will not accept the breaking of our people's will. Hamas will not surrender, will not raise a white flag, and will use all pressure cards against the occupation."

"AS LONG AS THERE IS OCCUPATION, RESISTANCE WILL CONTINUE"

Noting that it is a "fantasy" to ask Hamas to lay down its arms, Abu Zuhri stated, "The dreams of Netanyahu and his supporters cannot be realized. Because Hamas is a movement that defends its own people, and Palestinians want to liberate their land. As long as there is occupation, resistance will continue. The resistance will retain the weapons to defend our people and our rights."

A CEASEFIRE PROPOSAL INCLUDING THE CONDITION OF DISARMAMENT HAD BEEN MADE

Talks held in Egypt for the re-establishment of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of Israeli hostages ended without concrete progress, and it was reported that Egypt had conveyed a new ceasefire proposal to Hamas. An unnamed senior Hamas official stated that the proposal conveyed by Egypt included the disarmament of Hamas, saying, "Our negotiating delegation was surprised that there was an explicit clause regarding the disarmament of the organization in the proposal conveyed by Egypt. Egypt informed us that no agreement would be made to stop the war without negotiations regarding the organization's disarmament." Reiterating that Hamas maintains its position that Israel must end its attacks on Gaza and withdraw from Gaza, the official stated that Hamas's weapons were "not a subject for discussion." The official had announced that Egypt's proposal included the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza and a 45-day ceasefire.

News Source: İHA