Hamas Accuses Netanyahu Of Adding New Terms For Gaza's Ceasefire Proposal

ILLUSTRATION OF UNRWA DOC

Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of stalling for a ceasefire deal in Gaza by adding new terms and demands to the US-backed ceasefire proposal, after recent talks were held through mediators.

The group said it received the latest response from Israel after talks in Rome involving Israel, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar.

"It is clear from what the mediators have said that Netanyahu has returned to his delayed, evaded strategy and avoided reaching an agreement by setting new conditions and demands," Hamas said.

The Islamic faction accused Netanyahu of withdrawing from a proposal previously submitted by a mediator, which they said was based on "Israeli paper".

Washington, which sponsors the negotiations, has repeatedly said the deal has been reached.

The final talks are about a proposal President Joe Biden announced in May.

Hamas wants a ceasefire agreement to end the war in Gaza. Netanyahu said the conflict would only stop after Hamas was defeated.

The mediators Qatar and Egypt, backed by the United States, have repeatedly said the door to further negotiations remains open, with Israel and Hamas voicing readiness to continue the negotiations.