“If current talks fail to yield a temporary truce in Gaza, we will opt for a full ceasefire agreement” — says Hamas’ military wing

“If current talks fail to yield a temporary truce in Gaza, we will opt for a full ceasefire agreement” — says Hamas’ military wing

[Cairo, July 18, 2025] — If the ongoing negotiations regarding the Gaza war fail to result in an interim truce, Hamas will be compelled to push for a full ceasefire and a comprehensive peace deal — warned Abu Ubaida, spokesperson of the armed Islamic group Hamas.

In a televised address, he said:

“Hamas has repeatedly proposed to release all hostages held in Gaza and expressed its willingness to reach a permanent ceasefire agreement. But the enemy (Israel) has continuously rejected these offers.”

Currently, Egypt and Qatar — under U.S. mediation — are conducting talks between Hamas and Israel on a draft proposal for a 60-day truce. This round of discussions has already passed the 10-day mark, yet there has been no significant breakthrough on the core issues, two senior Hamas officials confirmed to Reuters.

Key points in the proposed deal:

• 10 living hostages held in Gaza would be returned in phases

• The bodies of 18 deceased hostages would be handed over

• In exchange, Israel would release Palestinian detainees

• Over 60 days, humanitarian aid and the truce’s effectiveness would be assessed

However, both sides have yet to reach final consensus on this framework.

According to Hamas, the foundation of any agreement must be a permanent ceasefire that halts Israeli attacks on Gaza and ensures a full military withdrawal.

Abu Ubaida further warned:

“If the enemy remains stubborn like before and sabotages this round of talks, we cannot guarantee that partial deals or the current offer involving 10 hostages will remain on the table.”

Hamas insists it is not only open to partial arrangements but is ready for a comprehensive peace deal — one that includes a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, lifting of the blockade, and initiation of reconstruction efforts.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintains a firm stance. He has made it clear:

“The war will end only when Hamas is fully disarmed and its top leaders are expelled from Gaza.”