Despite assurances from mediators (Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S.) that efforts are ongoing behind the scenes to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and agree on a prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas, the movement's recent statements indicated a decline in hopes, especially with the continuation of the Israeli incursion into the city of Rafah in the southernmost part of the enclave.
Ghazi Hamad, a member of Hamas' political bureau, stated in an interview with "Al Arabiya/Al Hadath" on Tuesday night that the movement has informed mediators that "there will be no negotiations while the Rafah operation is ongoing." He also claimed that "Israel is heading towards genocide rather than negotiations."
These statements emerged as mediators are seeking to establish an initial truce lasting six weeks, during which Hamas would release nearly 20 living Israeli captives, in addition to an unspecified number of Israelis who died while being held captive in Gaza. There is a possibility that this initial agreement could lead to a ceasefire lasting up to one year and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, according to what Arab mediators told the "New York Times."
The mediators clarified that communication had been made with Hamas, but they have not yet agreed to participate. Previous ceasefire talks largely failed, with Tel Aviv refusing to include any agreement that would halt fire indefinitely.
