Hamas, the Palestinian resistance movement, accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday of using a ceasefire and hostage swap Israeli delegation in Doha to mislead the international community, saying the team lacks authority to make binding decisions, reports the Middle East Monitor.
“We consider the continued presence of the Zionist delegation in Doha – despite its clear lack of authority to reach an agreement – a blatant attempt by (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu to deceive global public opinion and falsely portray participation in a negotiation process,” it said in a statement.
The prolonged stay of the delegation, without engaging in serious talks since Saturday, is a “blatant attempt by Netanyahu to deceive global public opinion and to falsely portray participation in negotiations.”
Hamas accused Netanyahu of extending the delegation’s presence “day by day without entering serious talks.”
The group criticised Netanyahu’s recent statements about resuming aid to Gaza as an effort to “throw dust in the eyes” and deceive the international community.
Hamas has repeatedly offered to release Israeli captives “all at once” in exchange for ending the war, withdrawing Israeli forces from Gaza and releasing Palestinian prisoners. But Netanyahu has added new conditions, including the disarmament of Palestinian resistance factions in Gaza, which Hamas refuses under continued occupation.