DaysofPal- Hamas stated that it remains open to negotiations despite Israel’s recent intensification of airstrikes on Gaza, marking the deadliest wave of attacks since a cease-fire took effect on Jan. 19.
Speaking to Agence France-Presse (AFP) from Cairo, Hamas official Taher al-Nono emphasized the group has not rejected negotiations but sees no need for new agreements.
“Hamas has not closed the door on negotiations, but we insist there is no need for new agreements,” al-Nono said. He also called for Israel to be held accountable and forced to implement the existing ceasefire.
Al-Nono pointed out that a ceasefire agreement had already been signed, with international parties serving as guarantors, and questioned the need for new proposals. “Why do we have to present [new] proposals while a signed [ceasefire] agreement exists, with international parties acting as guarantors?” he said.
The Hamas official further argued that the failure to adhere to the ceasefire lay with Israel, particularly Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“It was Netanyahu who has backed down on the agreement. It was Netanyahu who turned a blind eye to it. Therefore, it is Netanyahu, not Hamas or the Palestinian resistance, that should be pressured to comply,” al-Nono added.
Al-Nono also criticized Israel’s actions, saying the country has “no justification for their actions, past or present” and that Israel has repeatedly violated the ceasefire. “They continue to breach the agreement they had signed,” he concluded.
This latest round of violence follows an intense series of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, which have been described as the heaviest bombardment since the ceasefire was established.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, the Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday killed over 400 people. At least 27 additional people were killed in overnight raids, according to confirmation from Gaza’s civil defense agency on Wednesday.
The Israeli military resumed its large-scale operations in Gaza on March 18, with the offensive reportedly launched under the orders of Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz.
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