Фото: depositefiles
Hamas has announced its readiness for a truce in the Gaza Strip and serious negotiations on the exchange of prisoners, senior Hamas officials said on Wednesday. This came as a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon entered into force, the Jerusalem Post reported.
In the statement, Hamas stressed its desire to work with mediators, including Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, to end the violence in Gaza. “We are interested in ending the aggression against our people and are ready for a ceasefire agreement and prisoner exchange,” the statement said.
In an interview with Reuters, Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said that the group was showing “flexibility” in the negotiations, but accused Israel of blocking progress. Referring to the ceasefire with Lebanon, Zuhri stressed support for Lebanon’s right to defend its people and expressed hope that a similar agreement could be reached to end the war in Gaza.
International efforts to achieve peace
US President Joe Biden and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan confirmed that the United States will make new efforts to achieve a truce in Gaza. Biden said that the US would work with Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, Israel and other parties to end hostilities, release hostages and secure a future without Hamas in power.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken stressed that resolving the conflict in Lebanon could have a positive impact on efforts to end the fighting in Gaza.
The impact of the Lebanese truce on the situation in Gaza
The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which came into force at 4:00 am local time, provides for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon within 60 days. During this period, the Lebanese army is to take control of the region, and Hezbollah militants are to retreat north of the Litani River.
Israeli sources report that the stability of the ceasefire in Lebanon may help to advance negotiations on the exchange of hostages in Gaza. According to the information, the agreement may provide for Israeli control over the Philadelphia corridor in southern Gaza.
Israel continues to exert military pressure on Hamas, which is an important factor in a possible agreement. A senior Israeli military official noted that continued pressure creates conditions for a potential settlement.
Mediators such as Egypt and Qatar have expressed optimism that a ceasefire in Lebanon could be a catalyst for progress in Gaza, offering hope for an end to the conflict and humanitarian relief in the region.
