Hamas rules out extension of first phase of Gaza ceasefire
TEHRAN (Iran News) The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has rejected Israel’s “formulation” of extending the first phase of the ceasefire instead of proceeding to the second phase as originally planned, calling it “unacceptable.”
As the first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire in Gaza draws to a close, negotiations for the next stage, aimed at securing a permanent truce, have so far been inconclusive.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem told Al Araby TV that no talks were being held for the second phase of the ceasefire, even as the first phase is set to expire on Saturday.
Qassem said that Israel bears the responsibility for the delay, adding that the regime sought to recover the remaining prisoners from Gaza while retaining the option to resume the war.
He said Israel was evading its commitment to ending the war and withdrawing completely from Gaza.
The comments came a day after Hamas urged Israel to move onto the second phase and confirmed its “full commitment to implementing all the terms of the agreement in all its stages and details.”
Egypt’s state information service reported on Friday that Israeli officials joined mediators from Qatar and the U.S. on Thursday for “intensive discussions” over the second phase of the ceasefire deal in Gaza.
The Israeli regime and Hamas announced a three-phase ceasefire deal on January 15, following UN-endorsed indirect negotiations between the two sides. The ceasefire officially took effect on January 19.
Hamas has reaffirmed its commitment to the negotiations for the second phase of the deal, saying that Israel has “no choice” but to engage in talks.
- source : irna
