Hamas Urges Mediators to Implement Previous Gaza Ceasefire Talks

Hamas has asked mediators to implement previous agreements rather than pursue new negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire. This raises doubts about Hamas' participation in the upcoming meeting called by mediators. The group insists on the implementation of a plan agreed on July 2, 2024, as per President Joe Biden's vision and a UN Security Council resolution.

Hamas has urged mediators to focus on implementing previous agreements rather than entering new negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire, casting doubt on its participation in an upcoming meeting scheduled for Thursday.

Last week, leaders from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar encouraged Israel and Hamas to finalize a ceasefire and hostage-release deal in Cairo or Doha on Aug. 15. While Israel agreed to send negotiators, Hamas initially considered the offer but now seems hesitant to join new talks.

In a statement, Hamas demanded, 'The mediators should enforce what was agreed upon on July 2, 2024, based on President Joe Biden's vision and the UN Security Council resolution, instead of pursuing new proposals that could allow further Israeli aggression.' Hamas cited the alleged assassination of its leader Ismail Haniyeh as evidence of Israel's insincerity. The statement emphasized that Washington and regional mediators have faced multiple obstacles in arranging the ceasefire-for-hostages deal.

(With inputs from agencies.)