Hamas rejects Trump’s remarks on Gaza talks breakdown
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Hamas officials have called on the US to be more even-handed in its role as mediator.
PHOTO: AFP
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GAZA CITY – Hamas officials expressed surprise on July 26 at US President Donald Trump’s accusation that the group “didn’t really want” a ceasefire and hostage release deal for Gaza.
Mr Trump made the allegation on July 25
“Trump’s remarks are particularly surprising, especially as they come at a time when progress had been made on some of the negotiation files,” Hamas official Taher al-Nunu told AFP.
“So far, we have not been informed of any issues regarding the files under discussion in the indirect ceasefire negotiations,” he added.
Mr Nunu, who is close to Hamas’ most senior political officials, said he was “surprised” that Israel and the US had left the talks.
Announcing the recall of US mediators on July 24, Mr Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff accused Hamas of not “acting in good faith”.
Though not part of the Hamas negotiating team, Hamas politburo member Izzat al-Rishq insisted that the group had shown “flexibility” in the talks.
“The American statements deliberately ignore the real obstructionist to all agreements, (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu’s government, which continues to put obstacles, deceive and evade commitments,” he said.
Both Hamas officials called on the US to be more even-handed in its role as mediator in the quest for a ceasefire after more than 21 months of fighting.
“We call for an end to the US bias in favour of Netanyahu, who is obstructing any agreement,” Mr Nunu said. AFP
