Hamas remains in contact with mediators to end Israeli ‘aggression’ militant group says

By Anjali Sharma

WASHINGTON – Palestinian militant group Hamas on Wednesday announced that it remains in constant contact with mediators and is engaged responsibly and positively with all proposals to halt the Israeli “aggression” against and lifting the blockade on Gaza.

Hamas spokesman Abdul Latif al-Qanoui in a press statement said the movement has not rejected the proposal put forward by Trump’s envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, but has responded positively to it, media reported.

Al-Qanou accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of resuming the war to derail the agreement.

He said Israel has tightened its blockade by closing crossings, preventing the entry of humanitarian aid, and refusing to enter the second phase of negotiations, to overturn the agreement and escalate the conflict.

“Hamas is committed to maintaining the agreement and will continue to engage flexibly with mediators to prevent further aggression against the Palestinian people and hold the occupation accountable for its obligations,” he said.

Israel launched massive airstrikes across Gaza, killed over 400 people and shattered a fragile ceasefire that took effect on January 19.

Netanyahu said that the airstrikes were launched because Hamas rejected Israeli and US proposals to extend the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal that ended on March 1. The proposals demanded prolonging the first phase and Hamas freeing additional hostages.

He said that Israel will escalate its renewed assault on the enclave and that “from now on, the negotiations (on Gaza ceasefire) will take place only under fire.”

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said officials with Trump’s administration “were informed before the attacks and supported it.”

The Israeli airstrikes have been widely condemned by the international community.