Bassem Naeem, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, affirmed that recent statements by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff contradict the reality of the negotiations and serve the agenda of the Israeli occupation.

Naeem said: “A few days ago, Witkoff acknowledged that significant progress had been made in the understandings, which makes his negative statements unjustified except as an attempt to exert pressure in favor of Netanyahu’s government.”

He pointed out that his movement’s response to the mediators’ proposal was positive and constructive, and that the mediators informed them that the other party had also shown flexibility, paving the way for a new round of negotiations. He stressed that the ball is now in Israel’s court to end the war instead of exploiting it for political gain.