Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) have insisted that the ongoing indirect talks with Israel must culminate in the complete cessation of hostilities and a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
This demand was made during a meeting between the two factions’ leaders, according to a statement released by Hamas.
The Hamas delegation was led by Muhammad Darwish, head of Hamas’ Shura Council, while PIJ Secretary-General Ziyad al-Nakhalah led the Islamic Jihad team.
“The two factions discussed the developments in the ongoing negotiations through international mediators and reviewed Israel’s responses to proposals aimed at reaching a ceasefire agreement,” the statement said.
The statement emphasised that any agreement must meet Palestinian demands, including ending the conflict and alleviating civilian suffering.
A source from Hamas described the current phase of talks in Doha as “critical and complex,” warning that Israeli “intransigence” could jeopardise the process.
The source also stated that the main hurdle was Israel’s hesitation to agree on withdrawal maps, adding that Hamas and PIJ are calling for an initial Israeli withdrawal to positions held in January 2024, with a complete pullout from Gaza as part of the final deal.
(Xinhua/NAN)
