Hamas castigates Joe Biden for saying ceasefire was possible if hostages were released: “We consider this a setback”

Hamas condemned Joe Biden’s latest comments on hostages held in Gaza. During a speech in Seattle, Biden said a ceasefire in Gaza would only be possible if Hamas terrorists released the hostages.

What did Hamas say?

“We, members of the Islamic Resistance Movement, have followed with dismay the statements made by US President Joe Biden, in which he said that a ceasefire in Gaza was contingent on Hamas releasing prisoners in the gang,” Hamas said in a statement, according to Press TV. .

“We condemn this position of the American president (and) we consider it a setback compared to the results of the last round of negotiations, which led to the agreement of the movement on the proposal presented by the mediators, Egypt and Qatar “, added Hamas.

Hamas said it had shown “the necessary flexibility” at all stages of the negotiations that took place to reach a ceasefire agreement. However, the terror group added, “terrorist (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu” and his cabinet “quickly reversed this trend (ceasefire talks) by launching their aggression against our people in Rafah, Jabalia and Gaza.”

Hamas went on to claim that Israel’s decision to intensify its attack on Gaza now shows that Benjamin Netanyahu intends to “continue the genocidal war in the Gaza Strip, and (also proves) his disregard for life of (Israeli) captives” held there.

Hamas further said Biden’s position once again highlighted US support for “the criminal policies carried out by…Nazi Zionists.” He said the United States continues to provide “political cover and military support” for Israeli attacks against Palestinians in Gaza. He accuses the United States of trying to “give more time to the occupying terrorist army to carry out its operations of destruction, murder and genocide in the Gaza Strip.”

A senior Hamas official said last week that the Israeli regime was delaying negotiations on a truce in Tel Aviv’s war against the Gaza Strip so it could carry out a full-scale invasion of Rafah. “Israel is not serious about reaching an agreement,” said Izzat al-Rishq, a member of the Hamas Political Bureau. Izzat added that the regime is “using the negotiations as a cover to invade Rafah and occupy its passage” with Egypt.