GAZA/DOHA: A senior Hamas leader has denied reports claiming the group agreed to a two-month truce with Israel in exchange for the release of nine Israeli captives.
Sami Abu Zuhri, a top Hamas political figure, rejected the reports during an interview with Al-Aqsa TV. His statement came after several media outlets, including Al Jazeera, cited unnamed sources suggesting that Hamas had agreed to a short-term ceasefire.
“No Deal Yet,” Says Hamas
Abu Zuhri clarified that Hamas has not agreed to any such arrangement. He insisted that the group’s stance remains unchanged. “There is no agreement for a two-month truce in exchange for nine captives,” he said.
He added that Hamas is open to a broader prisoner release, but only if Israel ends its military operations in Gaza. Abu Zuhri emphasized that any deal must include international guarantees.
War Still Ongoing
The statement arrives amid continued Israeli bombardment in Gaza. Despite international calls for a ceasefire, the conflict shows no signs of slowing.
Israeli airstrikes have targeted several areas across Gaza in recent days, including Rafah and Khan Younis. Dozens of Palestinians have reportedly been killed or injured. Medical facilities are overwhelmed, and thousands remain displaced.
Meanwhile, Hamas continues to fire rockets into southern Israel. The Israeli military claims it is destroying “terror infrastructure” in the strip.
International Pressure Mounts
Global efforts to end the war have intensified. The United Nations, Egypt, and Qatar are reportedly mediating between both sides. But so far, no formal agreement has been reached.
Israel Allows Limited Food into Gaza Amid New Offensive and Worsening Crisis
The U.S. has urged both Israel and Hamas to consider a pause in fighting to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. Over 35,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, according to local health officials.
Hamas’ Conditions for a Deal
Abu Zuhri reiterated Hamas’ main condition: a permanent end to Israeli aggression.
“We are willing to release captives in large numbers,” he said. “But Israel must commit to halting the war. International guarantees are necessary to ensure that Israel doesn’t resume hostilities.”
He accused Israel of using negotiations as a tactic to buy time while continuing its offensive.
Israel Yet to Respond
Israeli officials have not commented directly on Abu Zuhri’s latest statement. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly vowed to continue the war until all hostages are freed and Hamas is dismantled.
Israeli sources claim they are open to short-term truces, but only if Hamas agrees to release captives without conditions.
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