Hamas Surprised by Trump’s Claims on Ceasefire Negotiations
Gaza City: Hamas officials expressed their astonishment on Saturday regarding US President Donald Trump’s comments, which suggested that the group was not genuinely interested in reaching a ceasefire and hostage release agreement for Gaza.
Trump’s statement came just a day after Israel and the United States ended indirect negotiations with Hamas in Qatar that had been ongoing for nearly three weeks. Hamas representative Taher al-Nunu remarked, “It’s surprising to hear Trump’s comments, especially as we were making some progress in our negotiations.”
Nunu emphasized that they had not received any updates regarding difficulties in the ongoing discussions for a ceasefire. He, closely associated with Hamas’s senior leaders, noted his surprise at the decision of both Israel and the US to withdraw from the talks.
In the midst of escalating tensions, Gaza’s civil defense reported that Israeli forces had killed 28 people. Following the recall of US mediators, Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, accused Hamas of failing to “act in good faith.”
Despite not being part of the negotiating team, Hamas politburo member Izzat al-Rishq countered that the group had shown willingness to compromise. He asserted, “The statements from the US overlook the real barrier to peace, which is Netanyahu’s government, continually creating obstacles and avoiding commitments.”
Both officials from Hamas urged the United States to adopt a more balanced approach in its mediation efforts to achieve a ceasefire after over 21 months of conflict. Nunu called for an end to US favoritism towards Netanyahu, asserting that it hinders any potential agreements.
