Hamas has firmly rejected Israel's recent proposal to extend the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, labeling it \"unacceptable.\" The statement was made on Saturday by Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem.
Qassem criticized the Israeli plan, stating, \"The extension of the first phase as proposed by the occupation is unacceptable to us, and the mediators and guarantor countries are required to oblige the occupation to abide by the agreement in its various stages.\"
He further accused Israel of attempting to undermine the ceasefire by suggesting an extension, aiming to recover Israeli hostages while potentially resuming aggression in the Gaza Strip. \"The occupation is trying to bring things back to zero point by shuffling the cards and proposing the extension of the first phase,\" Qassem explained.
According to Qassem, there have been no negotiations with Hamas regarding the second phase of the agreement. He accused Israel of evading its commitment to end the war and completely withdraw from Gaza.
The Israeli delegation proposed the extension during discussions in Cairo, suggesting an additional 42 days for the first phase of the ceasefire agreement. This proposal comes after the initial 42-day phase expired on Saturday without any progression to the next stage.
The deadlock over the ceasefire extension highlights the ongoing tensions and challenges in achieving a lasting peace agreement between Hamas and Israel.
