Hamas says ceasefire talks back at 'square one' after Israel rejects deal
GAZA STRIP (TND) — Hamas said on Friday negotiations with Israel broke down after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a ceasefire agreement, according to ABC News.
The terrorist organization reportedly argued Israel’s renegotiation of the deal proposed by an Egyptian-Qatari delegation dismantled talks to pause fighting in Gaza.
Israel's rejection of the mediators' proposal, through the amendments it made to it, has brought things back to square one,” Hamas said.Netanyahu claimed the agreement did not meet Israel’s main demands and pledged to move forward with attacks in Rafah, which lies in the Gaza Strip. On Friday, Israel captured the city’s main road, effectively encircling Rafah’s eastern half, according to Reuters. The seizure came three days after Israel began occupying Rafah’s border with Gaza.
"The enemy's army's attack on Rafah and the direct occupation of the crossing immediately after Hamas announced its agreement to the mediators' proposal confirms that the occupation is evading reaching an agreement,” Hamas said, according to ABC News.
The terrorist group reportedly claimed Israel bore “full responsibility” for failing to reach a ceasefire agreement.
Netanyahu and his extremist government are using negotiations as a cover for the attack on Rafah and the occupation of the crossing, and continuing the genocide against our people,” Hamas said.President Joe Biden told CNN on Wednesday he would not supply Israel with weapons to attack the Gazan city of Rafah. Netanyahu responded by doubling down on his months-long plan to strike Rafah, arguing Israel was acting in self-defense.
“I say to the leaders of the world: No amount of pressure, no decision by any international forum will stop Israel from defending itself,” the prime minister said. “If Israel is forced to stand alone, Israel will stand alone.”
Biden warned Netanyahu last month U.S. aid would be contingent on how Israel prevented civilian casualties. The restriction followed an air strike that killed seven World Central Kitchen humanitarian workers.
Netanyahu has insisted on eliminating Hamas since the terrorist organization killed 1,200 people and took nearly 250 hostage in an Oct. 7 surprise attack on Israel. Some U.S. lawmakers have accused Israel of carrying out a genocide against Palestinians and threatened to withhold votes for Biden as the presidential election approaches.
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