THE Palestinian movement Hamas has rejected invitations from the United States (US), Qatar and Egypt to participate in the latest round of talks with Israel on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip on August 15. This is a report from the Axios portal citing the movement’s statement.
Earlier, Egypt, Qatar and the US called on Israel and Hamas to resume discussions on the terms of a ceasefire on August 14-15, 2024. The leaders of the three countries said they were ready to submit final proposals to reach an agreement.
Axios also reported that Hamas cited new conditions recently proposed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, and Israel’s recent attacks on the Gaza Strip as reasons for its decision.
A senior Israeli official involved in the negotiations told the publication that Hamas’ statement was a tactical move ahead of a possible attack by Iran and Hezbollah and an attempt to secure better terms in the deal.
“If Hamas does not come to the negotiating table, we will continue to destroy their power in Gaza,” the Israeli official was quoted as saying by the publication. (Ant/Z-2)
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