On Wednesday evening, Israeli broadcaster reported that Netanyahu described Hamas’ announcement as “just another manipulation and new media propaganda,” calling it “another attempt with nothing new.” Netanyahu claimed that the war in Gaza could end immediately under the conditions set by the Security and Political Cabinet. These conditions include the release of all hostages and prisoners, disarmament of Hamas, disarmament of the Gaza Strip, Israeli security control over the area, and the formation of an alternative civilian government that does not threaten Israel.
Meanwhile, Defense Minister Israel Katz stated, “The organization continues to turn a blind eye and utter empty words.” It is noted that Hamas claimed that it is still awaiting Israel’s response to the proposal submitted by mediators to the movement on August 18, which was agreed upon by the movement and Palestinian resistance.
Hamas reiterated in a statement on its official Telegram channel on Wednesday evening, the movement’s readiness to reach an agreement under which hostages and prisoners would be released in exchange for an agreed number of Palestinian detainees as part of an agreement to end the war in the Gaza Strip. Hamas added, “The movement reaffirms its approval to form an independent national administration of technocrats to manage all affairs of the Gaza Strip immediately and responsibly in all areas.”
Israel resumed its bombing of the Gaza Strip on March 18, after a halt of about two months, specifically since the ceasefire agreement with Hamas came into effect on January 19, following the failure of negotiations to extend the first phase of the agreement or move to its second phase. The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was supposed to continue by extending its first phase, which ended on March 1, or entering its second phase, but disagreements regarding the next steps prevented this.
For his part, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed Moscow’s concern over the escalation of the situation in the Gaza Strip and the casualties among civilians, confirming that Moscow is closely monitoring the situation and looks forward to returning to the path of peace.
