Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the political bureau of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), stated in a message sent by one of his aides to Reuters that the movement "is close to reaching a ceasefire agreement" with Israel. He said, "The movement has delivered its response to our brothers in Qatar and the mediators, and we are nearing a ceasefire agreement."
Meanwhile, Izzat al-Rishq, a leader in Hamas, told Al Jazeera on Tuesday that talks are ongoing between the movement and Israel regarding a temporary ceasefire to facilitate the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip, as well as an agreement for the exchange of prisoners. He added, "The anticipated agreement includes the release of Israeli children and women prisoners in exchange for the release of Palestinian children and women held in occupation prisons." Al-Rishq said Qatari officials will announce the details of the ceasefire.
