Hamas Seeks Implementation Over New Negotiations
In a significant development, the Palestinian group Hamas has called on international mediators to revisit and implement agreements from earlier discussions rather than engage in fresh negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire. This comes after leaders from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar urged Israel and Hamas to meet on August 15 in either Cairo or Doha to finalize a ceasefire and hostage-release deal.
Hamas Signals Reluctance to Join New Talks
While Israel has agreed to send negotiators, Hamas, which initially considered the offer, is now indicating that it may refrain from participating in the new round of talks. The group’s statement suggests a preference for adhering to previous agreements rather than entering into potentially prolonged new negotiations.
Referencing Biden’s Vision and UN Resolution
Hamas has specifically called on mediators to present a plan based on the agreements made on July 2, 2024, which were aligned with U.S. President Joe Biden’s vision and supported by a United Nations Security Council resolution. The group’s focus appears to be on ensuring that previous commitments are honored and implemented rather than reopening discussions.