Hamas has called on mediators to revisit and implement earlier ceasefire proposals rather than seeking new agreements for Gaza, just days before talks organized by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. In a statement on its official Telegram channel, Hamas emphasized the need for a plan based on the May 31 ceasefire proposal from US President Joe Biden, along with the framework established by Qatar and Egypt on May 6, and UN Security Council Resolution 2735.
The May 6 proposal, previously accepted by Hamas but rejected by Israel, included provisions for the release of Israeli captives in Gaza and an unspecified number of Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.
Hamas further stated that mediators should enforce the May 6 agreement on Israel instead of introducing new proposals that could allow Israel to continue its military actions against Palestinians. Al Jazeera’s Hamdah Salhut, reporting from Amman, Jordan, noted that Israeli media have interpreted Hamas’s statement as a rejection of ceasefire talks, but Salhut clarified that Hamas is instead urging the reinstatement of the original proposal.
Upcoming talks are scheduled for August 15, with leaders from the US, Egypt, and Qatar urging Israel and Hamas to negotiate in Cairo or Doha. Hamas spokesman Jihad Taha mentioned that the group is currently considering the invitation to participate in these talks. Taha criticized Israel for obstructing previous proposals and called for increased pressure on Israel to ensure the success of the ceasefire negotiations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously refused any agreement that does not result in the full defeat of Hamas but has indicated that Israeli negotiators will attend the August 15 meeting.
This round of talks will be the first with Gaza’s leader Yahya Sinwar representing Hamas, following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh by Israel. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have continued, with a recent strike on the al-Tabin School compound in Gaza City killing around 100 displaced Palestinians. Hamas condemned the attack as further evidence of Israel’s intent to escalate the conflict but reaffirmed its commitment to the previously agreed-upon truce proposal despite the ongoing violence.
