Hamas official states Israel seeks temporary ceasefire agreement in Gaza

Israel is seeking a ceasefire agreement with Hamas to secure the release of its hostages before resuming military operations in the Gaza Strip, according to Ezzat al-Rishq, a member of Hamas’ political bureau. Al-Rishq stated that Israel wanted a temporary agreement for prisoner release to then resume war efforts.

Al-Rishq mentioned that Israel’s attempts to release hostages by force have failed, emphasizing the necessity of a real deal with the resistance. A permanent cessation of firing is deemed necessary to protect the Palestinian people and halt bloodshed and massacres, with Hamas advocating for Israeli army withdrawal and displaced persons’ return.

Qatar, Egypt, and the United States are mediating a potential deal between Hamas and Israel to exchange prisoners and achieve a ceasefire in Gaza. Israel believes 134 Israelis are still held hostage in Gaza, while Hamas reported 70 deaths in Israeli airstrikes. In addition, over 9,000 Palestinians are held in Israeli prisons, with some casualties since the conflict began in October 2023, as per HaMoked, an Israeli human rights group.