Hamas Takes New Step for Ceasefire
As Israel’s genocide continues in Gaza, Hamas made an important statement regarding the ceasefire. Instead of entering into new rounds of negotiations, Hamas demanded that mediators present a plan to implement US President Joe Biden’s proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza.
In a joint statement on August 8, the US, Egypt and Qatar called on both Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and resume negotiations for a prisoner swap in Cairo or Doha on August 15. Following this call, Hamas shared its thoughts on the issue.
Israel’s Massacres
The statement read, “We and the Egyptian and Qatari mediators are well aware of the intentions and attitudes of Israel and the government of Benjamin Netanyahu. Despite this, we approached the latest proposal positively. However, Israel has put forward new conditions regarding this proposal “that were not previously put forward during the negotiation process.” In particular, attention was drawn to the massacre that Israel carried out at the Et-Tabiin School in the Derej Neighborhood of Gaza City on August 10, following the mediators’ joint statement, which led to the deaths of at least 100 people and the injuries of more than 250 people.
Hamas stated that it had shown the necessary flexibility and positive approach in previous rounds of negotiations and that it had accepted Biden’s proposal and United Nations Security Council resolution 2735 in this context. However, it was emphasized that Israel opposed these proposals and continued its attacks.
Israel’s Distorted Statements
Israel, which opposed Biden’s proposal, distorted Hamas’ statement and served it through the media. The news reported that “Hamas withdrew from the negotiations.” However, Hamas demanded that the mediators present a plan for the implementation of Biden’s proposal for a ceasefire, which the movement accepted, instead of entering into new rounds of negotiations.
Call to the Arab League and the OIC
Hamas has called for an urgent meeting between the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to stop the genocide that has been going on in Gaza for over 10 months. In a written statement, Hamas said, “We are calling for an urgent meeting between the Arab League and the OIC.” The statement emphasized that effective decisions must be taken to stop the ongoing genocide against the people of Gaza and to sever political, commercial and diplomatic relations with Israel.
In this context, a call was made for the implementation of the decisions taken at the OIC-Arab League Summit held in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, on November 11 (breaking the blockade in Gaza and ensuring aid flows).
