Hamas chief says Resistance 'close to reaching' truce deal in Gaza
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Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh says the Resistance group delivered its response to Qatari officials.
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Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh speaks to journalists after his meeting with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, in Beirut, Lebanon, Monday, June 28, 2021. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh confirmed on Tuesday that the movement was nearing a truce agreement with the Israeli occupation, according to a statement posted on Telegram.
"We are close to reaching a deal on a truce," Haniyeh said, according to the post, adding that the Resistance group delivered its response to Qatari officials.
This comes after the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) movement announced that its Secretary-General Ziyad al-Nakhalah, discussed with Haniyeh the situation in Gaza and negotiations related to the prisoner exchange deal.
Israeli media reported on Monday that "these are crucial hours, and this time we are closer to a prisoner exchange deal."
The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation published on Monday that Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has given the green light for a prisoner exchange deal with the Palestinian Resistance.
US President Joe Biden told reporters Monday he believes a prisoner swap deal between the Palestinian Resistance in Gaza and the Israeli occupation is close.
"I believe so" were the US President's words when questioned on the matter.
Meanwhile, the White House said the negotiations were in the "endgame" stage, but refused to give further details, saying it could jeopardize a successful outcome.
"We believe we're closer than we've ever been, so we're hopeful," National Security Council Spokesperson John Kirby told reporters.
"But there's still work to be done. And nothing is done until it's all done. So we're going to keep working on this."
Kirby added that arrangements were still being made on all sides.
