Hamas denies US claims of new ceasefire conditions, accuses Washington of ‘poisoning’ talks

Hamas has denied reports that it introduced new conditions to ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Israel, accusing U.S. officials of undermining the process. This follows claims in U.S. media that the Palestinian group had altered its demands for the release of Israeli captives.

Hamas spokesperson Basem Naim refuted the allegations, stating that the group remains committed to previously agreed-upon terms. “Hamas has not presented any new conditions to the mediators, neither on the issue of prisoners nor any other matters,” Naim told Al Jazeera, clarifying that the group stands by the original deal shaped by President Biden’s proposal and the United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 2735.

Naim went further, suggesting that certain U.S. officials, who had reportedly leaked the information, were attempting to derail progress. “The U.S. officials who acted as sources for the story have ‘poisoned the negotiations,’” he asserted.

He also emphasized Hamas’s readiness to negotiate the specifics of the agreement: “We are ready to immediately negotiate the implementation measures for this deal,” indicating that the group is prepared to move forward without further delay.

The rebuttal from Hamas comes at a critical time when both sides are under intense international pressure to reach a lasting ceasefire. As these claims unfold, the credibility of key mediators and the future of the fragile talks hang in the balance.