This is reported by AFP, which cites a Hamas official.
“We informed intermediaries in Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey that Hamas is ready for a ceasefire agreement and a serious prisoner exchange deal,” said the Palestinian official.
At the same time, Hamas accused Israel of obstructing the conclusion of a ceasefire agreement.
Recall that on the evening of November 26, Israel and Lebanon reached an agreement to cease hostilities.
U.S. President Joe Biden stated that over the next 60 days, Israel would gradually withdraw its troops from Lebanese territories, while the Lebanese army would deploy its forces in the region. Meanwhile, Hezbollah would cease its armed presence along the border south of the Litani River.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that if Hezbollah violates the agreement, the country will respond with an attack.
The UN warns that Palestinians “are facing the worst conditions for survival” in parts of the Gaza Strip that are under siege by Israeli forces, as no aid has been delivered there for 40 days.
Earlier, the Israeli parliament voted in favor of a bill that effectively prohibits the activities of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in Israel. This decision has faced criticism in the West.
The United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The resolution demanded an “immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire” in the war between Israel and Hamas, as well as the “immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.”
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed at least from October 8, 2023, through at least May 20, 2024.
In particular, Netanyahu and Gallant are responsible for restricting access to humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip—food, water, medicines, medical supplies, fuel, and electricity.
Additionally, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for the commander of Hamas's military wing, Muhammad Diab Ibrahim al-Masri (Deif). He is also accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity.