In a significant development in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, Hamas has stated that the optimism surrounding ceasefire negotiations is nothing but an “illusion.”
The statement comes at a time when international mediators, including the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, have been pushing for a resolution to end the over 10-month conflict in Gaza.
What did Hamas say?
Hamas’s senior officials, in comments that have circulated widely on social media platforms, have expressed skepticism over the ceasefire proposals, suggesting that any temporary halt in hostilities would merely serve as a pause before further violence.
The backdrop to these comments includes a recent proposal by Hamas for a ceasefire, which involved a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, an exchange of captives, and the lifting of Israel’s blockade.
Two Hamas operatives killed
The Israel Defense Forces said in a social media post on August 18 that they had eliminated two ‘Hamas Terrorists,’ Ahmed Abu Ara and Rafet Dawasi, who were responsible for planning the shooting attack in the Jordan Valley.
US Naval Deployment in the region
Meanwhile, the United States is reportedly deploying around 30 percent of its massive naval fleet to the Middle East to defend its ally Israel.