Hamas Accuses Israel of Spreading False News Amid Ceasefire Negotiations
Hamas leaders assert that Israel is disseminating misinformation to undermine resistance efforts while negotiations for a ceasefire continue.
Sami Abu Zuhri, head of the political bureau for Hamas outside of Palestine, has accused Israel of attempting to destabilize the situation in Gaza by spreading false news in an effort to apply pressure on the resistance and facilitate its actions against the residents of Gaza.
Abu Zuhri stated that rumors suggesting Hamas agreed to release nine Israeli prisoners in exchange for a two-month ceasefire are unfounded.
In comments made to Al-Aqsa TV, a station affiliated with Hamas, he elaborated that Hamas had previously taken steps by releasing Israeli soldier Idan Alexander to create a conducive atmosphere for potential agreements, but claimed that the American administration did not recognize this gesture.
Abu Zuhri reiterated that Hamas would not release Israeli prisoners while the Israeli assault on Gaza continues unabated, emphasizing that the group is prepared to release prisoners in one batch, contingent upon a complete cessation of hostilities guaranteed by international parties.
He expressed confidence in the resistance's capabilities and stated that there is no concern regarding its future operations, despite the significant disparity in military resources compared to the Israeli Defense Forces.
In related developments, U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler stated that Hamas must release individuals held captive if it wishes to see an end to ongoing airstrikes.
Boehler remarked that the release of hostages will come through determined action by the U.S.
Recent negotiations in Doha began amid a tour by U.S. President Donald Trump in the region, encompassing Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.
In advance of a meeting of the Israeli security cabinet, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office issued a statement indicating that the Israeli negotiating team is exploring all opportunities in Doha to reach an agreement, either in accordance with the plan proposed by U.S. envoy Stephen Wittekov or as part of ending the conflict.
The statement outlined that any agreement should entail the release of all captives, the displacement of Hamas fighters from Gaza, and the establishment of a demilitarized zone in the region.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has maintained that he will not cease military operations in Gaza until an 'absolute victory' is achieved, which includes the destruction of Hamas and the retrieval of all individuals held in the enclave.
Conversely, Hamas has offered to negotiate an agreement leading to the release of its captives in return for a halt to hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the commencement of reconstruction efforts.
Since October 7, 2023, reports indicate that Israeli actions in Gaza have resulted in significant casualties, with estimates of over 174,000 Palestinians killed or injured, many of them women and children, alongside more than 11,000 missing persons, and hundreds of thousands displaced from their homes.
Abu Zuhri stated that rumors suggesting Hamas agreed to release nine Israeli prisoners in exchange for a two-month ceasefire are unfounded.
In comments made to Al-Aqsa TV, a station affiliated with Hamas, he elaborated that Hamas had previously taken steps by releasing Israeli soldier Idan Alexander to create a conducive atmosphere for potential agreements, but claimed that the American administration did not recognize this gesture.
Abu Zuhri reiterated that Hamas would not release Israeli prisoners while the Israeli assault on Gaza continues unabated, emphasizing that the group is prepared to release prisoners in one batch, contingent upon a complete cessation of hostilities guaranteed by international parties.
He expressed confidence in the resistance's capabilities and stated that there is no concern regarding its future operations, despite the significant disparity in military resources compared to the Israeli Defense Forces.
In related developments, U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler stated that Hamas must release individuals held captive if it wishes to see an end to ongoing airstrikes.
Boehler remarked that the release of hostages will come through determined action by the U.S.
Recent negotiations in Doha began amid a tour by U.S. President Donald Trump in the region, encompassing Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.
In advance of a meeting of the Israeli security cabinet, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office issued a statement indicating that the Israeli negotiating team is exploring all opportunities in Doha to reach an agreement, either in accordance with the plan proposed by U.S. envoy Stephen Wittekov or as part of ending the conflict.
The statement outlined that any agreement should entail the release of all captives, the displacement of Hamas fighters from Gaza, and the establishment of a demilitarized zone in the region.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has maintained that he will not cease military operations in Gaza until an 'absolute victory' is achieved, which includes the destruction of Hamas and the retrieval of all individuals held in the enclave.
Conversely, Hamas has offered to negotiate an agreement leading to the release of its captives in return for a halt to hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the commencement of reconstruction efforts.
Since October 7, 2023, reports indicate that Israeli actions in Gaza have resulted in significant casualties, with estimates of over 174,000 Palestinians killed or injured, many of them women and children, alongside more than 11,000 missing persons, and hundreds of thousands displaced from their homes.
