Latest news on the Middle East conflict, live | Hamas defends itself against Trump's accusations: "The real obstacle to the truce is Netanyahu"

Hamas defends itself against Trump's accusations: "The real obstacle is Netanyahu"

Hamas political bureau member Izzat al-Rishq reaffirmed this Saturday the Palestinian group's willingness, "shown since the beginning of the negotiations," to reach "a comprehensive agreement that ends the aggression in Gaza," after US President Donald Trump accused him yesterday of not wanting to sign any agreement.

"The US statements ignore the real obstacle to all agreements: the Netanyahu government, which obstructs, evades, and circumvents its commitments," Al Rishq said in a statement released on its official channels.

He also stressed that Trump's accusations "contradict" the assessment of Qatar and Egypt, mediators with the United States in the conflict, regarding his position, which they "expressed their satisfaction and appreciation."

"We are surprised by the statements made by US President Trump, and before him, by US Special Envoy Witkoff, which contradict the mediators' assessment of the movement's position and are inconsistent with the progress of the negotiation process, which was making real progress," he added.

In the statement, he also asserted that his latest response to the text of a 60-day US-backed ceasefire was "positive and flexible to all comments," but called for "strengthening its provisions."

“In particular, those related to the humanitarian aspect, ensuring the massive flow of aid and its distribution through the United Nations and its authorized agencies, without Israeli interference. We also emphasized the need for disengagement maps,” the statement details. It adds: “We were interested in reducing the extent of the buffer zones where the occupation will remain for the 60 days and avoiding densely populated areas to ensure the return of the majority of our people to their homes.”

These demands are at odds with the position of the Israeli government, which has consistently opposed the complete withdrawal of its troops from the enclave, arguing that it is doing so for "security reasons." In none of the drafts has it committed to guaranteeing a definitive end to its offensive. (Efe)