Hamas asserted that any discussions to revive ceasefire negotiations in Gaza should adhere to prior agreements, eliminating the need for new discussions.
Last week, international mediators urged both Israel and Hamas to engage in negotiations concerning a ceasefire and hostage release deal, with talks tentatively set for August 15.
In response, Israel announced its intent to dispatch a team of negotiators for the upcoming talks. Recent negotiations stalled due to new conditions introduced to the framework set forth by U.S. President Joe Biden in May.
This Monday, leaders from the UK, France, and Germany jointly called for the resumption of talks, emphasizing that “there can be no further delay.”
UK Prime Minister, French President, and German Chancellor collectively echoed the appeal for ceasefire negotiations to recommence in a unified statement.
“We agree that there can be no further delay,” the statement emphasized.
Additionally, the leaders vowed to avoid any escalation and pledged their commitment to reducing tensions and fostering stability in the region.
They also highlighted the imperative for de-escalating tensions in the Middle East, which have heightened following recent assassinations of key figures within Hamas and Hezbollah.
U.S. Defense Secretary confirmed the deployment of a guided missile submarine to the region, complementing the aircraft carrier heading towards the Middle East.
Iran has previously stated it will retaliate against the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh at an opportune moment, attributing responsibility to the U.S. for its support of Israel.
In response to growing pressure from mediators, Hamas has called for a resumption of ceasefire talks based on U.S. President Biden’s prior vision, indicating readiness to resume dialogue from earlier agreements rather than initiating new proposals.
The Hamas statement suggested that mediators should enforce compliance from Israel rather than pursuing additional negotiations that could embolden its actions against Palestinian civilians.
Reports indicate that new Israeli demands, including the screening of returning displaced Palestinians and control over the Philadelphi corridor, have been significant sticking points in the negotiations.
Sources indicate that Hamas is amenable to resuming discussions based on terms established prior to the introduction of new conditions.
Over the weekend, the Israeli military ordered thousands of Palestinians in Khan Younis to evacuate to designated “humanitarian zones”.
This directive came after an Israeli airstrike on a school that resulted in over 70 fatalities, according to local health officials.
Hospital officials reported significant casualties, with many bodies remaining unidentifiable due to the conditions of the remains.
The Israel Defense Forces claimed the school was utilized as a military facility by Hamas and Islamic Jihad, a claim that Hamas denies.
IDF officials indicated there was intelligence suggesting a high likelihood that a key commander from Islamic Jihad was present during the attack, though it remains unclear if he was killed.
Causalities reported by either side have not been independently verified. Israel maintains that Hamas exploits civilian infrastructure for military purposes, justifying attacks on protected sites.
Hamas has consistently refuted these allegations.
On October 7, Hamas-affiliated gunmen launched an attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 individuals, while also taking 251 hostages back to Gaza.
This incident incited a significant military response from Israel, leading to the ongoing conflict. According to reports, over 39,790 Palestinians have died as a result of the Israeli military campaign in Gaza.
