Hamas announces ceasefire understandings with Israel
Hamas has reached new understandings with Israel to de-escalate the situation in the Gaza Strip, it announced Monday night, according to The Jerusalem Post.
The announcement, published by the office of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, said the understandings were reached “after a round of discussions and contacts, including with Qatari envoy Mohammed al-Emadi.”
Emadi has been shuttling between Israel and the Gaza Strip for several days in an effort to prevent an all-out military confrontation.
The Hamas announcement made no mention of Egypt’s mediation efforts with Israel. An Egyptian intelligence delegation that visited the Gaza Strip 10 days ago did not return to the area since then.
The announcement came after two weeks of tensions between Israel and Hamas, during which hundreds of explosives-laden and incendiary balloons were launched toward Israel.
“Understandings have been reached to contain the escalation and halt the Zionist aggression on our people,” Hamas said in its statement.
According to Hamas, the new understandings include “a number of projects that serve our people in the Gaza Strip and would help them cope with the outbreak of the coronavirus.”
In addition, under the terms of the understandings, Hamas and Israel agreed to restore the calm that prevailed before the latest round of violence.
Hamas thanked Qatar for its efforts and support for the Palestinians.
The Hamas announcement came shortly after Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh received a phone call from Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed Abdel Rahman al-Thani. The two discussed the situation in the Gaza Strip and Emadi’s efforts to secure a new ceasefire agreement.
Hamas did not provide further details about the new understandings.