Hamas says cease-fire talks continue despite Israeli resumption of attacks

The Palestinian resistance group Hamas announced Saturday that communications with mediators regarding a ceasefire in Gaza and a potential prisoner exchange deal have “not stopped.”

In a statement, Hamas spokesperson Abdul Latif al-Qanoua said, “The proposal by (U.S. presidential envoy Steve) Witkoff, along with several ideas, is being discussed with mediators.”

On March 13, Israeli media reported that Witkoff presented a proposal involving the release of five Israeli captives in exchange for a 50-day ceasefire, the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, the entry of humanitarian aid, and the launch of second-phase negotiations.

The following day, Hamas expressed its approval of a proposal submitted by mediators that included the release of an Israeli-American soldier and the return of four bodies of dual nationals, as part of resuming phase-two negotiations.

Al-Qanoua emphasized that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is the “main obstacle to reaching an agreement,” noting that the success of any deal hinges on Netanyahu’s position, as he allegedly prioritizes the survival of his government over the lives of captives in Gaza.

The Hamas spokesperson also reaffirmed the movement’s readiness to engage in any arrangements for Gaza’s administration, as long as these arrangements are based on national consensus. He stressed that Hamas does not seek a role in any administrative framework.

“Hamas had previously agreed to the formation of a community support committee in Gaza that does not include the movement,” he added. “We have no ambition to govern Gaza. What matters to us is a national consensus, and we are committed to its outcomes.”

‘Genocidal war’

Al-Qanoua also condemned Israel’s resumed military actions in Gaza, labeling it a “genocidal war” conducted with U.S. support. He urged the United States to pressure Israel to return to the ceasefire agreement and avoid becoming a party to the conflict.

Since Tuesday, more than 700 Palestinians have been killed and over 1,000 injured in an Israeli aerial campaign on Gaza, shattering the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement established in January.

The ongoing Israeli military operation in Gaza, which began in October 2023, has resulted in nearly 50,000 Palestinian deaths—mainly women and children—and left more than 113,000 injured.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its actions in Gaza.