Gaza: The Palestinian resistance group Hamas announced on Thursday its readiness for serious negotiations to end the ongoing Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip. Hamas leader Mahmoud Mardawi emphasized the group’s responsible engagement with all ceasefire proposals in Gaza, asserting that Israel has reneged on agreements, broken promises to mediators, and continued its campaign of escalation and violence.
According to Anadolu Agency, Mardawi highlighted the global community’s responsibility in the face of Israel’s actions, urging international adherence to law and justice. He warned of the consequences of double standards which threaten not only Palestine but the entire region. Over the past 18 months, indirect negotiations involving Qatar, Egypt, and the US have seen some progress, but repeated violations by Tel Aviv have hindered a final resolution.
Egyptian state media reported an Egyptian security delegation’s travel to Qatar to continue negotiations aimed at releasing prisoners and hostages, as part of interim efforts to de-escalate tensions in Gaza. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s commitment to securing a ceasefire and restoring regional calm and stability.
The Israeli military launched an unexpected aerial campaign on the Gaza Strip on March 18, killing 855 people, injuring nearly 1,900, and disrupting a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement established in January. Since October 2023, over 50,200 Palestinians, primarily women and children, have been killed, with more than 113,900 injured in the Israeli military’s onslaught.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces genocide charges at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.