Hamas political bureau member Hossam Badran confirmed that the Movement remains committed to serious negotiations aimed at reaching a comprehensive ceasefire agreement in Gaza, despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's continued obstruction.

According to Badran, Hamas and Palestinian factions are focused on securing a full withdrawal from Gaza, the return of displaced individuals, reconstruction efforts, and a prisoner exchange deal.

Badran emphasized that Hamas does not have high expectations for U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Cairo, acknowledging that no direct communication exists between the Movement and the U.S. Instead, negotiations occur through intermediaries, as Hamas views the U.S. as a party to the conflict.

Hamas remains committed to the agreement outlined on July 2, which was based on a speech by U.S. President Joe Biden and a UN Security Council resolution. However, Badran stressed that the United States must apply significant pressure on Netanyahu to achieve any meaningful progress.

Blinken recently stated that a ceasefire is the best solution to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. During a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart, he indicated that 15 out of 18 points in a proposed ceasefire agreement had been resolved, but that political will was necessary to address the remaining issues.

In response to a new Israeli proposal, which suggested the release of all Israeli detainees in exchange for a safe passage for Hamas leader Yahya Al Sinwar, the Movement firmly rejected the offer. Hamas negotiating member Ghazi Hamad described the proposal as "ridiculous," underscoring the failure of Israeli negotiators and their unwillingness to acknowledge previous agreements.

Hamas spokesman Jihad Taha echoed this sentiment, reaffirming that the Movement remains focused on implementing the terms of the July 2 agreement, which calls for a ceasefire and an end to Israeli aggression. Taha called on the international community to take responsibility for halting the ongoing violence and protecting Palestinian civilians from further harm. (ILKHA)