Hamas Official Denies U.S. Claims Regarding Peace Negotiations
On July 26, 2025, Izzat al Rishq, a member of Hamas’s political bureau, refuted U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertions that Hamas is unwilling to engage in peace negotiations. Al Rishq emphasized the Palestinian resistance group’s readiness to arrive at a “comprehensive agreement that would end the aggression in Gaza,” following Trump’s remarks the previous day, reports 24brussels.
Al Rishq criticized claims from U.S. officials as overlooking the real impediment to peace: the actions of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, which he accused of obstructing agreements. “U.S. statements overlook the real obstacle to all agreements: Netanyahu’s government, which obstructs, evades, and shirks its commitments,” he stated.
The Hamas official highlighted that both Qatar and Egypt, who, alongside the U.S., act as mediators in the conflict, have acknowledged Hamas’s positive position regarding negotiations. “We are surprised by the statements of President Trump, and before him, the U.S. special envoy Witkoff, which contradict the mediators’ evaluation of the movement’s position and do not align with the progress that had been made in the negotiation process,” he added.
Hamas’s response to the U.S.-proposed 60-day ceasefire was described as “positive and flexible,” contingent upon the guarantee of the unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid via the United Nations without Israeli interference. The group articulated concerns regarding buffer zones that would remain during the ceasefire, urging a reduction in these areas to facilitate the return of displaced civilians.
Contrary to these demands, Israel maintains its position against a full military withdrawal from Gaza, citing security concerns. The ongoing negotiations have yet to yield a solid commitment from Israel to end hostilities against the enclave, leaving the humanitarian crisis unresolved.
Additionally, recent reports indicate that significant quantities of humanitarian aid are being left unutilized in Israel. “Thousands of aid parcels are left out under the sun, and if they are not transferred to Gaza, we will be forced to destroy them,” Israeli military sources have reportedly stated. This includes the contents of 1,000 trucks carrying essential food and medical supplies.
As the situation in Gaza deteriorates, both local and international calls continue for an escalation of humanitarian efforts and a concrete resolution to the ongoing conflict.
