A senior Hamas official stated on Wednesday that the group is still formulating its response to Israel's proposed ceasefire and hostage release agreement for Gaza. Mahmoud Mardawi, a key figure in the organization, told AFP that no final decision has been made yet, emphasizing that there will be no acceptance of partial deals.
"The movement's response is still in preparation, and we affirm that there is no room for any partial deal," Mardawi said. He further stressed that Hamas' weapons will not be part of any negotiations, maintaining the group's firm stance on the issue.
The Israeli proposal, which has drawn significant attention, suggests a ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages held by Hamas, who were captured during the deadly October 7, 2023, attack. This is the latest development in a series of talks aimed at securing a long-term resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Hamas' response to the proposal is expected to have significant implications for the future of the conflict. The group has historically been resistant to negotiations with Israel, especially regarding terms that would involve the disarmament of its military wing.
As part of the ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages, both Hamas and Israel have engaged in various indirect negotiations, with international bodies like the Red Cross playing a key role. The February 2025 handover of deceased hostages to the Red Cross, which took place in Khan Younis, is one such example of the delicate exchanges happening behind the scenes.
The situation in Gaza remains highly volatile, with both sides continuing to navigate complex political and military dynamics. As Israel and Hamas await each other's decisions, the world watches closely to see whether any breakthrough will be reached in the months ahead.
