On Thursday, HAMAS announced that it had informed mediators it would not participate in further negotiations during ongoing aggression, but it was open to a “complete agreement,” including a prisoner exchange if Israel halted the war.
Mediation efforts, involving Egypt and Qatar among others, to secure a ceasefire between Israel and HAMAS have repeatedly stalled, with both sides accusing each other of causing the impasse. The latest statement came as Israel continued its offensive on the southern city of Rafah, defying an International Court of Justice (ICJ) order to cease the attacks.
“HAMAS and the Palestinian factions will not accept to be part of this policy by continuing ceasefire negotiations in light of the aggression, siege, starvation, and genocide of our people,” the statement read.
“We informed the mediators of our clear position that if the occupation stops its war and aggression against our people in Gaza, we are ready to reach a complete agreement that includes a comprehensive exchange deal,” it added.
According to the health ministry, nearly 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s offensive across Gaza.
