Hamas casts doubt on participation in new Gaza ceasefire talks
(VOVWORLD) - Palestinian militant group Hamas on Sunday asked mediators to present a plan based upon previous talks instead of engaging in new negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire deal, casting doubt on its participation in Thursday’s meeting called by the mediators to finalize a Gaza ceasefire and hostage-release deal.
 Smoke rises following Israeli strikes in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, August 8, 2024. (Photo: REUTERS) |
Israel said it would send negotiators to the meeting. Hamas initially said it was studying the offer but has now hinted it may stay out of the new round of talks.
Hamas said Israeli actions, including what Hamas has said was its assassination of the group's leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran late last month, indicate that Israel is not serious about pursuing a ceasefire agreement. Israel has not denied or claimed responsibility.
President Joe Biden laid out a three-phase ceasefire proposal in an address on May 31.