Senior Hamas official Khalil Al-Hayya stated Thursday that the movement is currently awaiting “Israel” and the mediators’ response to the ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip - after Hamas submitted its stipulations at an earlier time.

Al-Hayya, in statements made to Al-Jazeera, said that the lack of progress made in the negotiations is due to “Israeli” obstinacy, adding that Hamas is “serious” about releasing the captives in a “serious” framework of negotiations and agreements.

“We do not want to keep out prisoners [here].”

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“Israel” previously rejected a proposal to exchange one female “Israeli” soldier for 50 Palestinian prisoners, including 30 with life sentences - according to Al-Hayya.

Al-Hayya reiterated Hamas’ previously-stated demands in the negotiations, which are the Israeli Occupation’s complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in addition to a ceasefire.

Regarding the United States’ demands that Hamas take the “deal on the table”, Al-Hayya said that Washington’s statements were made before receiving a response regarding Hamas’ position in the negotiations from the Israeli Occupation nor Qatar.

Also Read: Joint statement from US, Germany, UK, 15 other countries calls for “release of hostages in Gaza”

Hamas is committed to Qatar in its role as a mediator, Al-Hayya added, after Qatar previously said it is “re-evaluating” its role in the mediation process.

“There is pressure and distortion of Qatar's role in the negotiations to pressure Hamas,” the senior Hamas official said.

Also Read: “Qatar evaluating role as mediator between Israel, Hamas,” says FM

Khalil al-Hayya is a member of Hamas’ political bureau and was previously elected to the Palestinian Legislative Council on 25 January, 2006 as a representative of Gaza City.

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