Hamas Announces Delay in Ceasefire Agreement in Gaza

DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Hamas announced on Wednesday the postponement of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, citing new conditions set by Israel regarding withdrawal, prisoners, and the return of displaced people.

According to a statement from Hamas, “Negotiations for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange are ongoing in Doha, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, and the movement has shown responsibility and flexibility in its approach.”

However, the statement continued that Israel had introduced new conditions related to the withdrawal of its forces, the ceasefire, the release of prisoners, and the return of displaced persons, which has delayed the finalization of the agreement that had previously seemed close.

On Tuesday evening, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the Israeli negotiating team would return to Israel for “internal consultations” regarding the prisoner exchange deal with Hamas after a week of talks in the Qatari capital.

Qatar also stated that the negotiations between Cairo and Doha regarding a ceasefire and prisoner exchange are ongoing and that it is difficult to predict when an agreement will be reached.