Netanyahu's statements confirm intentional obstruction of truce: Hamas
Hamas accuses Netanyahu of obstructing a Gaza ceasefire deal, rejecting a comprehensive agreement that includes withdrawal and prisoner exchange, amid US-Qatari talks.
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Hamas fighters hand over coffins containing four bodies to the Red Cross in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025. (AP)
The Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, stated that remarks by occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in which he told the families of captives that a comprehensive deal is not possible, “confirm malicious intentions to obstruct reaching an agreement.”
The movement noted that it had previously proposed a comprehensive deal that includes a prisoner exchange, a ceasefire, and full withdrawal of occupation forces, but Netanyahu rejected the offer and continues to evade a resolution.
Hamas reaffirmed its positive engagement in negotiations aimed at achieving a comprehensive agreement that ensures a ceasefire, the withdrawal of occupation forces, and guarantees the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
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Withdrawal remains sticking point in Doha talks
Efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza remain mired in deadlock as "Israel" continues to impose conditions aimed at solidifying its military grip over the besieged territory, a Palestinian source close to the negotiations told Al Mayadeen on Thursday.
Describing the situation as "difficult and complex," the source confirmed that no agreement has been reached on any of the core issues, with the occupation's intransigence obstructing progress.
The Israeli delegation, the source revealed, is demanding to retain control over more than a third of the Gaza Strip, insisting on full authority over Rafah and maintaining a military buffer exceeding two kilometers along the eastern and northern borders.
Compounding the crisis, the source added that "Israel" is pushing to preserve the current mechanism for humanitarian aid delivery routes that Palestinians have condemned as "death traps" due to their exposure to sniper fire and bombings.
These routes, established unilaterally by the occupation, have repeatedly endangered civilians and obstructed life-saving assistance.
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