Ceasefire Negotiations Between Hamas and Israel: Statements by Usame Hamdan

Usame Hamdan: Negative Response to Ceasefire Proposal

Usame Hamdan, a member of the Hamas Political Bureau, stated to the Lebanese media that their stance regarding the recent ceasefire proposal presented by mediators is negative. Hamdan expressed, “Our stance on the latest ceasefire proposal is negative. However, negotiations are still ongoing,”

Hamdan also emphasized that if Israel launches the expected ground attack on the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, negotiations will be halted. He stated, “If the enemy carries out the Rafah operation, negotiations will be halted, and the resistance (Hamas) does not negotiate under fire,”

Hamas Statement: Negative Stance Does Not Mean End of Negotiations

A statement from Hamas indicated that their negative stance does not mean the end of negotiations. The Israeli media claimed that Hamas is planning to present its own ceasefire proposal,

Hamas’ Call for Permanent Ceasefire and Israel’s Response

While Hamas seeks an end to the attacks permanently, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposes this demand. The Israeli media reported that in a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Netanyahu insisted that if Hamas continues to demand a complete halt to the attacks, Israel will start a ground attack on Rafah and no ceasefire agreement will be reached,