On Tuesday, Hamas stated that US President Joe Biden's assertion that the Palestinian group was retreating from a ceasefire agreement with Israel was 'misleading'. Biden, addressing inquiries about a ceasefire arrangement, mentioned: 'Israel claims they can resolve it, they are ready. But I was informed that Hamas is now stepping back'. He further commented, 'It's yet to be determined. We will continue to press on,' while boarding a plane following a speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Monday.
Hamas emphasized that Biden's remarks do not accurately represent the movement's stance, which has been eager to achieve a halt in hostilities. 'The recent proposal presented to us contradicts what the parties agreed upon on July 2, this is seen as an American endorsement and acceptance of the new conditions set by the terrorist Netanyahu and his criminal schemes against the Gaza Strip,' Hamas added, referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during his ninth visit to the region since the conflict began, showed optimism after discussions with Israeli officials on Monday. On Tuesday, Blinken was in Cairo, advocating for potential advancements in a ceasefire and hostage release agreement, scheduled for talks later this week, with significant disputes still unsettled.
The US has proposed bridging solutions that the mediating nations—Qatar, the United States, and Egypt—believe could narrow the gaps between Israel and Hamas and conclude the hostilities that have unsettled the entire region.
