On efforts to broker ceasefire understandings with the Israeli occupation, Head of Hamas Political Bureau Ismail Haniyeh states the following:

Hamas chief is following up on the updates linked to efforts to lift the Israeli siege imposed on the Gaza Strip for more than 14 years.

We reiterate that Hamas puts its faith in Egypt and Qatar’s endeavours to broker an agreement aimed to end the Israeli blockade. Moreover, the Hamas leadership in the Gaza Strip is still contacting some bodies to that end, especially after the coronavirus arrived at the beleaguered enclave.

The major obstacle hindering such efforts is the Israeli occupation’s obstinate refusal to meet the demands of the Palestine people of having the minimum requirements of a decent life.

We clearly declare that our decision is to go ahead with endeavours to end the siege until it is completely lifted.

The Hamas chief calls on UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov and the UN to fulfil their responsibility of removing the suffocating blockade and ending the suffering of our people.