Hamas announced on Friday its readiness to pursue a ceasefire in Gaza, urging US President-elect Donald Trump to “pressure” Israel into halting its war on the Palestinian territory.
Basem Naim, a member of Hamas’s political bureau based in Doha, said his party is willing to accept a ceasefire if Israel also adheres to the agreement.
“Hamas is ready to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip if a ceasefire proposal is presented and on the condition that it is respected by Israel,” Naim told AFP. He further called on the incoming U.S. administration to push Israel to “end the aggression.”
Qatar, previously a key mediator in indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, announced on November 9 that it would suspend its efforts. Doha’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Majed Al Ansari, stated that Qatar would resume mediation only when the involved parties demonstrate “willingness and seriousness.”
Israeli airstrikes continued to bombard Gaza, including an airstrike on Friday targeting the central city of Deir el-Balah, leaving residents devastated.
Meanwhile, the war spread to Lebanon, where Israeli strikes are targeting civilian infrastructure in Beirut’s southern suburbs, with several attacks reported today.
Lebanese officials reported over 3,380 deaths since the escalation with Hezbollah began in October last year.
The war has caused significant casualties. The health ministry reports over 43,000 deaths in Gaza, with almost 70% of the total civilian women and children the UN reported.