Hamas rejects negotiations with Israel, demands end to Gaza's "hunger war"

Hamas has dismissed the possibility of continuing ceasefire negotiations with Israel as pointless, while the ongoing conflict and blockade continue to devastate Gaza.

Bassem Naim, a prominent member of Hamas' politburo, expressed the group's frustration with the situation, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign press.

"There is no point in negotiating or considering new proposals for a ceasefire while a hunger war, a war of annihilation, continues in the Gaza Strip," Naim stated, emphasising the dire conditions in the enclave.

Naim also urged the international community to apply pressure on Israeli authorities, demanding an end to the violence that has led to widespread suffering, hunger, and thirst among Gaza's residents. His comments reflect Hamas’ continued refusal to engage in negotiations while the blockade and conflict persist.

US envoy optimistic about hostage negotiations ahead of Trump’s visit

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steven Witkoff, expressed hope that progress could be made in negotiations over the release of hostages in Gaza before the President’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia. Whitkoff said, “We hope to make progress on the release of the hostages (in Gaza) before President Trump arrives in the region.”

Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia is scheduled for May 13, with hopes that the visit could spur further progress in the negotiations.

Stalled negotiations and failure of previous ceasefire efforts

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has seen little resolution despite several attempts at ceasefire talks. Since March 18, when Israel resumed air and ground operations against Hamas following the collapse of a two-month truce, efforts to reach a lasting peace agreement have faltered.

The previous ceasefire, brokered by Qatar, the US, and Egypt, had begun on January 19, and had initially allowed for humanitarian aid deliveries and exchanges of hostages and prisoners. However, the agreement eventually broke down due to disagreements over the framework for a permanent resolution. While Hamas insisted on talks for a permanent ceasefire, Israel remained opposed to any deal that would end the conflict while Hamas still holds power in Gaza.

The hostage situation remains dire

At present, militant groups in Gaza continue to hold 59 captives, including 58 of the 251 individuals abducted during Hamas-led attacks on October 7. The Israel Defence Forces have confirmed the deaths of at least 35 of the captives, further complicating the efforts to secure their release and highlighting the stakes involved in the ongoing negotiations.

By Tamilla Hasanova