Comprehensive Gaza deal aims for total end of aggression: Exclusive

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen English
7 Jan 2025 01:08
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Hamas' representative in Lebanon details the recent updates regarding the negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing Hamas' insistence on its demands, but extreme flexibility as well.

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Hamas' representative in Lebanon Ahmad Abdel Hadi in an interview with Al Mayadeen, undated (Screengrab/Al Mayadeen)

"The ball is now in Netanyahu's court," Hamas' representative in Lebanon, Ahmad Abdel Hadi, told Al Mayadeen, amid a revelation of the developments seen in the Doha negotiations for a potential ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.

According to Abdel Hadi, Hamas exhibited great flexibility in order to reach an agreement throughout the talks, revealing that all controversial and outstanding points were successfully resolved, primarily to ensure the end of the suffering of the Palestinian people.

Abdel Hadi stated that "the ball is now in Netanyahu's court, particularly after agreeing to all clauses, and only he can obstruct the agreement or sign it."

He also emphasized Hamas' insistence that any possible agreement include a clear commitment to a full end of the war, a full withdrawal from Gaza, and the return of displaced citizens, stressing that the movement requested maps outlining the details of this withdrawal to ensure its implementation.

Generally, the atmosphere indicates that the deal is comprehensive, not partial, and aims at a complete end to the aggression and the complete withdrawal of the Israeli occupation from the Palestinian enclave, the Hamas official clarified.

In further details to Al Mayadeen, Abdel Hadi added that the mediators are awaiting the official Israeli position and the signing of the agreement, noting, however, that "during the final moments of the negotiations, Netanyahu imposed conditions that Hamas dealt with flexibly to finalize the deal."

"There is no longer any justification or excuse for Netanyahu to obstruct this agreement as he has done in the past. Things are supposed to proceed in the right direction, but we cannot be certain because Netanyahu is known for his deceit."

Israeli media had reported earlier on Monday that "Israel" proposed the partial deal to avoid Hamas' demand for a complete withdrawal and an end to the war on the Gaza Strip.

Blinken optimistic on Gaza ceasefire despite administration transition

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed confidence on Monday that a ceasefire agreement in Gaza would be reached, although it might not materialize until after President Joe Biden's term ends on January 20.

Speaking from Seoul, South Korea, Blinken reiterated that the Biden administration "will work every minute of every day" until the end of its term to secure a captive release deal.

"We very much want to bring this over the finish line in the next two weeks," he told reporters.

"If we don't get it across the finish line in the next two weeks, I'm confident that it will get its completion at some point, hopefully sooner rather than later," he added.

Blinken emphasized that any resolution would be based on President Biden's plan, which he claimed has near-universal global support.

US President-elect Donald Trump, who will assume office on January 20, has pledged unwavering support for "Israel" and warned Hamas of severe consequences if Israeli captives taken during the October 7, 2023 attack are not released.

Blinken said that Hamas had shown "intensified engagement" toward finalizing a deal, but it remained incomplete.