Hamas’ political bureau official Bassem Naim (pictured left) told Al Jazeera that the group informed mediators that it is “not ready to discuss any further proposals” on the Gaza ceasefire as Israel keeps ignoring Hamas’ key demands – a permanent ceasefire, total withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes.
“We believe it is not about a ceasefire, it is about [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu using the negotiations as a cover to gain more time to continue his plans for the complete bombardment of the rest of the Gaza Strip, including Rafah, and to relieve international pressure,” Naim underlined.
In addition, the Hamas official urged Western countries, especially the United States, to put more pressure on Netanyahu and prevent him from endangering the entire Middle East region. NN Audio File: