Photo credit: Arab News
Hamas has said it won’t disarm until an independent Palestinian state is established.
SBS News reports that indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel ended last week in a deadlock. The negotiations were aimed at securing a 60-day ceasefire and a deal for the release of hostages.
Qatar and Egypt, who are mediating ceasefire efforts, this week endorsed a declaration by France and Saudi Arabia outlining steps toward a two-state solution to the conflict.
Part of the measures is that Hamas must hand over its arms to the Palestinian Authority.
Hamas, however, said in a statement that it could not yield its right to “armed resistance” unless an “independent, fully sovereign Palestine state with Jerusalem as its capital” is established.
Last month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described any future independent Palestinian state as a platform to destroy Israel and, for that reason, security control over Palestinian territories must remain with Israel.
Netanyahu also criticized countries that have announced plans to recognize a Palestinian state in response to the devastation of Gaza from Israel’s offensive and blockade.
Meanwhile, Hamas has released a second video of an Israeli hostage today
The 24-year-old looks skeletal, with his shoulder blades protruding from his back. According to him, he has not eaten for three days.
Sky News reports that reports that the horrible video shows him digging his own grave, unless he is miraculously released.
