Hamas claims full control over ceasefire talks in Gaza, says ball is in Israel’s court | World News

Hamas Delegation Leaves Cairo for Qatar, Puts Ball in Israel’s Court

In a dramatic turn of events, the Palestinian militant group Hamas announced early Friday that its delegation attending Gaza ceasefire negotiations in Cairo had abruptly left the city for Qatar. The group declared that the “ball is now completely” in Israel’s hands, signaling a potential stalemate in the ongoing conflict.

According to Hamas, the negotiating delegation departed Cairo for Doha after Israel rejected the proposal submitted by the mediators and raised objections to it on several central issues. Despite the setback, Hamas reiterated its commitment to the proposal and emphasized that the onus was now on Israel to make a decision.

State-linked Egyptian outlet Al-Qahera News reported that representatives from both camps had left Cairo following two days of intense negotiations aimed at finalizing a ceasefire deal in the seven-month war in the Gaza Strip. Efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to bridge the gap between the two parties continue, with a high-level Egyptian source expressing optimism about bringing their points of view closer together.

Hamas had previously accepted a ceasefire proposal that included the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the return of displaced Palestinians, and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office deemed the proposal inadequate, citing essential demands that were not met.

As tensions escalate and the fate of the ceasefire hangs in the balance, the world watches closely to see how Israel will respond to Hamas’ latest move.