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Hamas submits vision to mediators on ending aggression, exchange deal

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
15 Mar 2024 00:26
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Hamas sends a comprehensive vision to mediators in Qatar and Egypt eyeing a long-lasting ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and a prisoner exchange deal.

Masked militants from al-Qassam Brigades hold the Palestinian flags while marching along the streets of Nusseirat refugee camp, in the central Gaza Strip, Palestine, on May 28, 2021. (AP)

The Islamic Resistance Movement - Hamas announced that it has presented to mediators in Qatar and Egypt a comprehensive vision regarding its stance on halting the aggression on the Gaza Strip and the issue of prisoner exchange with the Israeli occupation, a statement released by the movement explained on Thursday.

The movement emphasized in a statement that this comes as part of its follow-up to negotiations through intermediaries to halt the Israeli aggression, provide relief and assistance to the Palestinian people in Gaza, facilitate the return of the displaced to their homes, and the complete withdrawal of occupation forces from the Strip.

In its statement, it stressed that its vision is based on these principles and foundations, which it considers vital for any agreement, and that it will remain committed to the rights and concerns of the Palestinian people.

On Wednesday a member of Hamas' political bureau, Ghazi Hamad, told Al Mayadeen that negotiations have been stalled, emphasizing that "the ball is now in the Israeli court."

Hamad told Al Mayadeen that the Israeli occupation "[seeks to continue] the war (on the Gaza Strip) and does not want to reach a ceasefire," confirming that "Israel" is not interested in withdrawing from the Gaza Strip.

During his interview for Al Mayadeen, the Hamas official revealed that the Resistance has more than one communication channel in which it discusses details of a prisoner exchange deal. Via these channels, it has become clear that "Israel wants to release prisoners while continuing the war," according to Hamad, who stressed that Hamas "will not accept" that this be the basis of a proposed deal.

Following several rounds of mediated negotiations, "Israel" refused to meet the basic demands of the Palestinian Resistance, insisting on a phased prisoner exchange deal while dismissing calls for a long-lasting ceasefire, the complete return of displaced people to their homes in the Gaza Strip, and the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the Gaza Strip.