In an interview with AA, Abu Zuhri shared important information about the ongoing negotiation processes for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Abu Zuhri stated that “the US does not seem very keen on pressing Israel to sign the agreement. Each time Israel imposes new conditions, the US administration acts as if it approves of Tel Aviv’s stance.”
Abu Zuhri, who stated that this situation was the main reason for the disruptions in the ceasefire and prisoner swap agreements in Gaza so far, continued his words as follows: “Hamas accepted the ceasefire plan proposed by Egyptian, Qatari and US mediators on July 2 . However, Israel is constantly trying to update this proposal with new conditions, despite it being based on the principles of US President Joe Biden’s speech and UN Security Council resolutions.”
Abu Zuhri made the following statements regarding Hamas’ stance: “As Hamas, we remain committed to the proposal announced on July 2 and expect a plan to be developed for the implementation of this agreement.” Speaking about the future of the negotiation process between Israel and Hamas, Abu Zuhri said, “As a result, there is a genocidal war being waged by the occupier in the Gaza Strip. The international community must fulfill its responsibilities to stop these attacks and crimes. “We participated in these negotiations to ensure a ceasefire, but the occupier Israel continues to wage its genocidal war in Gaza by misinterpreting Hamas’ participation in these negotiations.”
“The ball is now in Israel and the US court,” Abu Zuhri said, adding, “If the US administration really wants to reach an agreement, it should force the occupying Israel to stop its attacks against the Palestinian people and to monument by previous agreements.”
Israel’s New Conditions and Hamas’ Struggle
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu argued that the ceasefire draft announced by Biden differed from the proposal presented by Israel and demanded new conditions. Netanyahu had also wanted the continuation of the Netzarim Corridor dividing Gaza in two and the Philadelphi Corridor on the Gaza Strip and Egyptian border, as well as the Israeli occupation of the Rafah Border Crossing. Netanyahu had also stipulated that Hamas members be prevented from crossing north from other parts of Gaza.
Referring to the developments in Gaza, Abu Zuhri, one of the Hamas leaders, said, “We are committed to protecting the Palestinian people under all circumstances and continuing our struggle against the occupier.” Regarding the recent developments in the occupied West Bank and the Israeli army expanding its attack area, Abu Zuhri said, “The Zionist occupiers continue to commit crimes not only in Gaza, but in the West Bank and every part of Palestine.”
Abu Zuhri said, “The occupiers continue to invest in the US and Europe to find an excuse for their crimes. October 7 (the Al-Aqsa Flood) did not happen in the West Bank, but despite this, Israeli planes continue to bomb cities , towns and refugee camps in the West Bank every day.” Drawing attention to statements about the imposition of policies to force Palestinians to migrate in the West Bank, Abu Zuhri emphasized, “This shows that we are faced with an Israeli plan targeting the Palestinian people and their cause.”
Stating that the conflicts in the West Bank are continuing, Abu Zuhri said, “Our people will not surrender to these plans and crimes. We will continue to resist the occupation in every way possible. Yes, there is great suffering, but the occupiers are “Also paying a great price. We emphasize that we will continue to fight against the Zionist occupation and work to develop this struggle in every possible way.”
