Negotiations Of Ceasefire In Gaza Mandek, Hamas Accuses Israel Of Saving Time

Gaza/DOK UNRWA

JAKARTA - Hamas said mediators had not provided the group with the latest information regarding ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.

They also accused Israel of buying time and thwarting current negotiations.

"Invaders continue their policy of buying time to thwart this round of negotiations, as has been done in the previous round," Hamas said.

Hamas' comments came as mediators Qatar and Egypt, backed by the United States, stepped up efforts this week to reach a ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the nine-month war in Gaza.

Mediation is also related to negotiations to release Israeli hostages detained by Hamas and many Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.

As previously reported, Israel and the United States (US) stressed the importance of taking advantage of opportunities for a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

This was conveyed by the Israeli Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, after with the US envoy to the Middle East Brett McGurk.

Both discussed the importance of taking advantage of the opportunities created to reach an agreement regarding the return of hostages detained by Hamas in Gaza, the ministry said.

They discussed the challenges that still exist in reaching the agreement, as well as possible solutions to overcome it, he said.