Netanyahu 'buying time' with Gaza deal negotiations: Hamas official
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Senior Hamas official Taher al-Nounou tells Al Mayadeen that the movement did not and will not yield to anyone attempting to pressure it.
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Senior Hamas official Taher al-Nounou speaks to Al Mayadeen, on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. (Screengrab)
In any negotiations, Hamas' goal is to stop the war on the Gaza Strip while "Israel" merely seeks a prisoner exchange, Taher al-Nounou, a senior official in the movement, said on Wednesday.
Al-Nounou told Al Mayadeen that any potential agreement must include a permanent ceasefire, a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, reconstruction of the Strip, an end to the blockade, and a captive-prisoner exchange.
According to the official, prioritizing a prisoner exchange alone would not necessarily lead to a lasting ceasefire.
The Palestinian official argued that current discussions regarding a deal are merely a waste of time, under the guise of negotiations in preparation for the coming US elections.
Al-Nounou said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's aim with these proposals is to "buy time", which he sees as "part of a local or US election campaign."
"We have no veto on listening to mediators if they have any proposals," the Hamas official reiterated, but underlined that the movement had made it clear that it opposes a temporary pause of hostilities and the resumption of the Israeli aggression on Gaza.
Expressing openness to offers is distinct from agreeing to them, the Palestinian official clarified, particularly "if they fail to meet the resistance's four core demands."
"If we are invited to hear new proposals, we will certainly attend," he affirmed.
Hamas has maintained its leadership and organizational framework
His statements echoed those of the movement's spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri, who confirmed on Tuesday that Hamas has responded to requests from mediators to discuss new proposals regarding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Several meetings have already occurred on this matter, with more scheduled to follow, Abu Zuhri indicated.
Al-Nounou stressed that even in the most challenging times, the Hamas movement has maintained its leadership and organizational framework, emphasizing that the same leadership overseeing the negotiations remains in place.
In the past, present, and future, Hamas did not and will not yield to anyone attempting to pressure it, al-Nounou underlined, asserting that after all the sacrifices it offered, the movement cannot be swayed by external pressure.
Addressing the Israeli occupation’s crimes in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and al-Quds, the Palestinian official pointed out that "Israel" has left no form of atrocity uncommitted, including killings, siege, and destruction, expressing astonishment that all these Israeli crimes are occurring in full view of the world, yet no one acts.
The humanitarian disaster is not just what is happening on the ground, but also the world's silence, allowing the occupation to act without accountability, al-Nounou indicated.
He further added that the greater disaster lies in "supplying the occupation with weapons that are used to kill children and women in Gaza and Lebanon."
The official added that the United Nations has lost its reason for existence, having failed to maintain international peace and security.
Al-Nounou addressed the US administration, saying that demanding the release of American captives should involve pressuring the Israeli occupation, noting that recent offers included calls for the release of US nationals.
Elsewhere, the Hamas official congratulated Hezbollah on the election of Sheikh Naim Qassem as Secretary-General and the trust placed in him.
He also conveyed Hamas’ appreciation for Hezbollah's stance and its consistent support for Gaza.
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