We’re ready to discuss ending war with Israel, says Hamas leader

Ismail Haniyeh, leader of Hamas, says the Gaza-ruling faction of the militant outfit is open to discussions with Israel on a ceasefire. 

Israel has intensified its retaliatory bombardment of Gaza after Hamas invaded the Jewish nation on October 7.

Although there has been a one week ceasefire on humanitarian grounds, Israel said it would not end its attacks on Gaza until Hamas is eliminated. 

On Tuesday, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) voted overwhelmingly in favour of a humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and the militant group.

Speaking in a televised speech aired on Hamas-affiliated Al-Aqsa TV on Wednesday, the Hamas leader welcomed UNGA’s resolution and urged for increased international pressure to halt Israel’s attacks.

“We are open to discuss any arrangement or initiative that could end the (Israeli) aggression,” Haniyeh added.

He said without Hamas, any arrangement regarding the future of Gaza would not succeed.

The head of the Hamas political bureau also confirmed the group’s rejection of any post-war political arrangements that exclude Hamas and other Palestinian factions.

Meanwhile, Jake Sullivan, the White House’s national security adviser, is set to meet with Israeli officials on Thursday. 

In a rare condemnation of Israel, US President Joe Biden told donors during a fundraising event for his 2024 re-election campaign, just before the UNGA vote took place, that Israel was losing international support because of its “indiscriminate bombing” in Gaza.

However, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli prime minister, has pushed back on the criticism, pledging to continue the bombardment. 

“Nothing will stop us. We are going on to the end, until victory, nothing less,” Netanyahu said.