By Luis De Jesus
Aug 18, 2024, 6:28 PM EDT
The Islamist group Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of sabotaging negotiations for a ceasefire agreement by rejecting the latest proposals discussed in Doha.
In a statement released on Sunday, the terrorist group said that Netanyahu continues to impose new obstacles and conditions in order to frustrate the efforts of mediators and extend the conflict.
The announcement came after a meeting between Israel’s negotiating team and representatives of the United States, Qatar and Egypt in Doha.
Hamas has refused to take part in this round of talks and has demanded that previous agreements be implemented, based on a proposal put forward by US President Joe Biden.
The Islamist organisation criticised the new proposal, saying it responds to Netanyahu’s demands and does not include a comprehensive withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
The group also rejected Benjamin Netanyahu’s insistence on maintaining Israeli control over the Netzarim Crossing, the Rafah border crossing and the Philadelphia Corridor.
Netanyahu, for his part, insisted that Israel continues to negotiate without giving in, and affirmed that his government maintains a firm position on two key points: not stopping the military offensive until Hamas is dismantled and maintaining control of the Philadelphia Corridor.
The prime minister’s office said Netanyahu had urged mediators to put pressure on Hamas rather than Israel.
Hamas also accused the Israeli prime minister of putting obstacles in the way of negotiations on the exchange of Palestinian prisoners for Israeli hostages.
According to the group, it had already accepted the terms proposed by Biden on July 2, while Israel argues that it has only made clarifications and not added new demands.
Meanwhile, the Israeli negotiating team has traveled to Cairo to continue talks, which are expected to focus on the Philadelphia Corridor.
The situation remains tense, with the Israeli military prepared for a possible withdrawal or targeted incursions as circumstances require.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in Israel to push for a ceasefire agreement, marking his ninth visit to the country since the start of the conflict.
The war began on October 7 last year with a Hamas attack that led to around 1,200 deaths and 251 kidnappings. Since then, Israeli attacks have resulted in more than 40,000 dead, 92,000 wounded, 10,000 missing.
There are also an estimated 1.9 million displaced people in Gaza, exacerbating an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.
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