Why It Matters:
The tension between Hamas, Israel, and the U.S. underscores the fragility of the ceasefire agreement and highlights the ongoing struggle for Palestinian rights and sovereignty.
What He Is Saying:
Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official, stated that Hamas remains committed to its obligations but will not release all prisoners on Saturday, despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats. He criticized Trump’s remarks as provocative, claiming they have led to Israel’s failure to adhere to the ceasefire agreement. Abu Zuhri dismissed the Israeli Defense Minister’s threats of resuming war as “foolish” and insignificant, adding that Trump’s threats are “worthless” and do not intimidate Hamas. He praised Egypt and Qatar for their mediation efforts and commended Arab nations for opposing plans to expel Palestinians. Abu Zuhri also emphasized that Gaza’s governance is a purely Palestinian matter, rejecting any external interference.
Key Points:
- Hamas rejects any external interference in Gaza’s governance and reaffirms its commitment to Palestinian sovereignty.
- Trump threatened to unleash “the gates of hell” on Gaza if all prisoners are not released by Saturday.
Go Deeper:
The ongoing tension between Hamas and Israel, exacerbated by U.S. involvement, underscores the fragility of the ceasefire agreement. Trump’s threats and Israel’s aggressive rhetoric reflect the deep mistrust between the parties.
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