Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) have insisted that ongoing indirect negotiations with Israel must result in a complete end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

The remarks were made during a meeting between leaders of the two factions, according to a statement issued by Hamas.

The Hamas delegation was led by Muhammad Darwish, head of Hamas’ Shura Council, while PIJ Secretary-General Ziyad al-Nakhalah headed the Islamic Jihad delegation.

“The two factions discussed developments in the ongoing negotiations through international mediators and the Israeli side’s responses to the proposals presented to reach a ceasefire agreement,” the statement said.

It emphasised that any potential deal must meet Palestinian demands, including an end to the war and a halt to civilian suffering.

A Hamas source described the current phase of talks in Doha as “critical and complex,” warning that Israeli “intransigence” could derail the process.

The source said both delegations had reviewed Israel’s responses, identifying the primary obstacle as Israel’s reluctance to agree on withdrawal maps.

He added that Hamas and PIJ are calling for an initial Israeli withdrawal to January 2024 positions, with assurances of a complete pull out from the Gaza Strip as part of the final agreement.
(Xinhua/NAN)