Hamas accuses Netanyahu of blocking Gaza ceasefire deal
Hamas said Sunday that 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approval of a plan to occupy Gaza City, despite the movement’s acceptance of a mediator-backed proposal, shows his determination to derail an agreement.
In a statement, the group said: “We agreed to a partial deal and expressed readiness for a comprehensive one, but Netanyahu rejects all solutions.” It added that both 'Israeli' and US sources have acknowledged Netanyahu as the main obstacle to prisoner-exchange and ceasefire agreements.
Read more: Palestinian factions in Gaza issue statement after UN famine alert
Hamas pointed to remarks by former US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, who revealed that Netanyahu had repeatedly stalled and set new conditions whenever an agreement was close. The group stressed that “a ceasefire is the only path to returning captives,” holding Netanyahu fully responsible for the fate of detainees held by the resistance.
Earlier this month, the 'Israeli' government approved a plan to seize Gaza City, described as “Hamas’s last stronghold.” While implementation is not expected for several weeks, mediators still see a chance to revive negotiations.
Read more: Hamas still has over 20,000 fighters in Gaza: ‘Israeli’ official to The Atlantic
Meanwhile, 'Israeli' Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed Sunday to press ahead with the assault despite international concern and domestic opposition, threatening that Gaza City would be “leveled to the ground” unless Hamas accepts 'Israel’s' terms to end the war and release all captives.
