Hamas: The weapons of the resistance are our red line

Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official, addressed the negotiations for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement in Gaza in a statement to the Al Jazeera television channel.

Abu Zuhri said, "The occupying Israel does not commit to ending the war in its new proposal; it only wants to take back the prisoners."

Stating that "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," Abu Zuhri emphasized that the Palestinian resistance would not lay down its arms, adding, "The weapons of the resistance are a red line a million times over; let alone laying them down, even discussing it is out of the question."

Abu Zuhri stated that they are ready to hand over all Israeli prisoners in exchange for a halt to the attacks on Gaza and the withdrawal of the Israeli army from the Gaza Strip.

The Hamas official remarked, "(Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu is working for his own political future, and (US President Donald) Trump is his partner in killing the people of Gaza."

Pointing to Trump's planned visit to the Middle East in mid-May, Abu Zuhri said, "Trump, whose hands are stained with the blood of Gazan women and children, should not be welcomed on a visit to the region."

Emphasizing that Hamas will not surrender, Abu Zuhri said, "We will never allow the will of our people to be broken. Hamas will not surrender, will not raise a white flag, and will use every means of pressure against the occupying Israel."

Describing the events in Gaza as "madness," Abu Zuhri noted that this can only be met with a similar response.

"WE ARE EXAMINING THE PROPOSAL"

Furthermore, a statement from Hamas indicated that the proposal received from mediators is being examined and that a response will be provided as soon as possible following the necessary consultations.

It was emphasized that Hamas is determined that any agreement must include "a permanent ceasefire, the complete withdrawal of the Israeli army from Gaza, a genuine prisoner exchange deal, the initiation of a serious process for the reconstruction of areas destroyed in Israeli attacks, and the lifting of the blockade imposed on the Palestinian people in Gaza."

News Source: AA