Hamas reiterates willingness to negotiate amid Israeli airstrikes

Despite the ongoing Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip that began on March 18, Hamas has reiterated its openness to negotiations.

In a statement, Taher al-Nunu, media advisor to the head of Hamas political bureau, emphasized that Hamas has not closed the door to further talks, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

He also stressed that there is no need for a new agreement, as the existing agreement, signed by all parties, remains in place.

Al-Nunu called on mediators and the international community to pressure Israel into honoring the terms of the ceasefire agreement, which had been implemented in January. He urged the start of the second phase of the truce, which, according to Hamas, is essential for stabilizing the situation and moving forward in peace negotiations.

Hamas's position comes amid increasing tensions in the region and calls from various parties for both sides to return to the negotiating table.

Negotiations have stalled over how to proceed with a ceasefire whose first phase has expired, with Israel and Hamas disagreeing on whether to move to a new phase intended to bring the war to an end.

Israel has resumed airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, killing more than 400 people, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry in the Palestinian territory. The new wave of strikes follows the collapse of talks over further hostage releases, prompting Israel to vow "increasing military force" in its campaign against Hamas.

The escalation began on March 17 after nearly two months of relative calm under a ceasefire brokered by the US. However, Israel and Hamas could not agree on how to extend or continue the truce, leading to the resumption of hostilities.

In a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed that Israeli forces were targeting Hamas "terrorist" positions across Gaza, with the objective of fulfilling the war goals set by Israel’s political leadership, which include securing the release of all hostages, whether dead or alive. "From now on, Israel will act against Hamas with increasing military force," the statement added.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported that by midday on March 18, at least 404 people had been killed in the fresh airstrikes.

By Vafa Guliyeva