Hamas Declares Israeli Ceasefire Extension 'Unacceptable'
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Synopsis
Hamas has rejected Israel's proposal to extend the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, calling it unacceptable. The group demands adherence to the original agreement and accuses Israel of evading its commitments. Negotiations regarding the second phase remain stalled as tensions continue.
Key Takeaways
- Hamas rejects Israel's proposal to extend ceasefire.
- Hamas demands adherence to the original agreement.
- No negotiations for the second phase are taking place.
- Israel accused of evading its commitments.
- Delay in prisoner release criticized by Hamas.
Gaza, March 2 (NationPress) The proposal from Israel to prolong the initial phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement is unacceptable, according to Hamas.
"Extending the initial phase as suggested by the occupation is unacceptable to us, and the mediators and guarantor nations must compel the occupation to adhere to the agreement across all stages," stated Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem in a statement on Saturday.
"The occupation is attempting to reset the situation by reshuffling the cards and suggesting an extension of the initial phase," Qassem remarked, emphasizing that this extension aims to secure the return of Israeli hostages while potentially resuming the military action in the Gaza Strip, which contradicts the agreement’s terms.
Qassem also indicated that there have been no ongoing discussions with Hamas concerning the second phase of the agreement, accusing Israel of evading its obligation to end hostilities and completely withdraw from Gaza.
According to an informed Egyptian security source, an Israeli delegation proposed extending the initial phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement for an additional 42 days during discussions in Cairo on Friday.
On Saturday, the initial 42-day phase of the three-phase agreement between Hamas and Israel concluded without any announcements of progress toward the subsequent phase.
Hamas previously transferred four bodies of Israeli hostages to the Red Cross in Gaza, as reported by an Israeli security official.
This transfer occurred just days before the end of the first phase of their ceasefire.
Israel has postponed the release of over 600 Palestinian prisoners since Saturday, citing concerns about the alleged harsh treatment of hostages during their handover by Hamas.
The militant group labeled this delay a serious breach of the ceasefire and asserted that discussions about the second phase cannot proceed until the Palestinians are released.
