Hamas attributes the failure of past negotiations to Israel.
Following a Lebanon truce announcement, the Palestinian militant group Hamas has reportedly informed several international intermediaries of its willingness to pursue a ceasefire with Israel.
The US-mediated ceasefire agreement stipulates the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon within 60 days and the deployment of the Lebanese army along the border previously controlled by Hezbollah.
“Hamas acknowledges Lebanon and Hezbollah’s right to an agreement safeguarding the Lebanese people, and we hope this agreement will facilitate an accord ending the genocidal war against our people in Gaza,” Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri stated to Reuters on Wednesday.
Abu Zuhri further noted Hamas’s “significant flexibility” and continued “interest in a deal to end the Gaza war,” contrasting this with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s apparent lack of interest.
A Hamas official, speaking anonymously to AFP, confirmed that the group had informed Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar of its readiness for “a ceasefire agreement and a serious prisoner exchange.”
The ceasefire would also entail “the withdrawal of occupation forces, the return of displaced persons, and a complete prisoner exchange,” according to a statement released by the group earlier on Wednesday.
Netanyahu characterized the Lebanon ceasefire as leaving Hamas isolated, enabling Israel to “intensify pressure” on Gaza.
“From the outset of the war, Hamas relied on Hezbollah’s support. With Hezbollah’s withdrawal, Hamas is alone,” the Israeli prime minister stated on Tuesday, attributing the truce primarily to a strategy of “separating fronts and isolating Hamas.”
“Our commitment to eliminating Hamas remains unwavering,” Netanyahu added.
According to Israeli media outlets, two hardline members of Netanyahu’s cabinet – Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich – oppose any ceasefire with Hamas and advocate for a full Israeli occupation of Gaza.
Israel initiated military action against Hamas following a series of October 7, 2023, attacks from Gaza, resulting in over 1,100 Israeli deaths and the capture of over 250 Israelis. Israel estimates that 97 hostages remain in Gaza, including the bodies of 34 confirmed fatalities.