Key facts
- Hamas official Bassem Naim said mediators asked the movement to consider Benjamin Netanyahu's political situation before Israel's upcoming election.
- Naim stated that Hamas would not pay the price with Palestinian lives to ensure Netanyahu's electoral victory.
- The Hamas official indicated that Israel has not fulfilled obligations under the ceasefire.
- Israel has continued attacks in the Gaza Strip and restricted the entry of aid.
Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim told CNN that the movement remains committed to a peace roadmap for Gaza, aiming for calm and stability. However, Naim indicated that mediators, including US adviser Jared Kushner, had requested Hamas be "sensitive" to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political standing ahead of Israel's upcoming election.
Naim expressed that it is not his duty as a Palestinian to consider the timing of a deal for Netanyahu's electoral benefit. He stated that he heard from Kushner and other delegation members that Netanyahu was in a "very delicate time." Naim added that Israel has not met its obligations under the ceasefire and that he is not in a position to allow Palestinians to pay the price in lives for Netanyahu's election victory.
Israel has continued its attacks across the Gaza Strip while also limiting the entry of essential aid and assistance.