Hamas Political Bureau Chief Calls for Israeli Troops to Withdraw from Gaza Strip

The head of the Hamas terrorist movement's political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, has called for a complete halt to military operations in the Gaza Strip and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the enclave, according to EFE, citing the group's Telegram channel.

"We affirm our position that any negotiations must lead to the complete cessation of aggression, the withdrawal of the occupying army from the Gaza Strip, and the return of displaced persons to their homes," he stated.

Haniyeh also emphasized the necessity of rebuilding the Gaza Strip and reaching a 'serious' agreement for the exchange of prisoners with Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails. He noted that the 'Islamic Jihad' group, which is also holding Israelis captive, adheres to the same principles.

Earlier, a senior Hamas official, Osama Hamdan, announced that the Palestinian grouping's leadership continues to discuss a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. He added that Hamas hopes to release thousands of Palestinians, including those sentenced to life imprisonment, specifically mentioning two names: Marwan Barghouti and Ahmad Sa'adat.