Hamas Says It's Ready For Fresh Talks On Permanent Gaza Ceasefire
Smoke rises from Gaza after an explosion, as seen from Israel, June 4, 2025. REUTERS/Amir Cohen
GAZA CITY / ISTANBUL, June 6 (Bernama-Anadolu) – The Palestinian group Hamas is ready to engage in a new and serious round of negotiations aimed at reaching a permanent ceasefire agreement, Khalil al-Hayya, the head of Hamas in Gaza and the group's chief negotiator, said on Thursday, noting that contacts with mediators are still ongoing.
In a recorded speech, al-Hayya said Hamas 'did not reject the latest proposal by (US Middle East envoy Steve) Witkoff but rather offered some observations and improvements,' Anadolu Ajansi reported.
'The amendments proposed by Hamas were meant to ensure the (Israeli) occupation does not revert to treachery, killing, incursions or forced displacement and to guarantee the dignified entry of aid and relief to our people', he said.
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He also announced that the group is ready to immediately hand over governance in Gaza to any professional and nationally agreed-upon Palestinian body.
'We are continuously working with all parties to reach an agreement based on a firm stance committed to the fundamental rights and demands of our people, leading to a permanent ceasefire, a full withdrawal of the occupation from the entire Gaza Strip, urgent humanitarian relief, and an end to the blockade.'
He pointed to the Israeli government, specifically Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as the main obstacle to reaching an agreement, saying Netanyahu 'does not want to end the war, for personal and ideological motives.'
Al-Hayya emphasised that Hamas has shown flexibility and a positive attitude towards various proposals.
'We accepted most of the offers since the aggression resumed in March, including the end-March mediator proposal that called for handing over five captives and entering the second phase of the January agreement, but the occupation rejected it,' he said.
'After that, we presented our vision for a comprehensive deal that includes the release of all captives in exchange for a final end to the war, but the occupation rejected that proposal too.'
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