Concluding a ceasefire and prisoner swap agreement with Israel is possible only if Tel Aviv “stops setting new conditions”, Hamas said in a statement yesterday.
The movement confirmed that “in light of the serious and positive discussions currently taking place in Doha under the mediation of our Qatari and Egyptian brothers, reaching an agreement for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange is possible if the occupation stops setting new conditions.”
Hamas spokesman, Jihad Taha, said the ceasefire talks “are dominated by an atmosphere of seriousness and optimism, and we hope that the mediators’ efforts will result in concluding the agreement.”
However, he stressed, Israel must show seriousness and not put “obstacles or conditions” that could hinder concluding the deal.
Members of the Israeli negotiating team for the ceasefire talks have previously criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of deliberately making statements to thwart the negotiations.
Netanyahu faces numerous charges of corruption, with observers saying that if the war on Gaza comes to an end he could face a prison sentence. An outcome he is trying to avoid.