Hamas: “Biden’s talk about ceasefire in Gaza is “illusion”

GAZA, Aug. 17 (YPA) – Hamas leader Sami Abu Zuhri said that US President Joe Biden’s talk about reaching a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip is an “illusion,” the day after Washington presented a new proposal for a truce between Israel and the movement.

“The occupation continues to obstruct all efforts to complete any agreement,” Abu Zuhri told Agence France-Presse. “We are not facing a real agreement or negotiations, but rather the imposition of American dictates.”

Doha talks on a Gaza ceasefire were stopped on Friday, but negotiators are due to meet again next week in a bid to reach a deal to end the war on Gaza and to free the remaining Israeli captives.

The United States, Qatar and Egypt said in a joint statement that Washington had presented a new proposal building on points agreed upon in recent days and narrows the gap between the two sides, potentially allowing for a quick implementation of an agreement.

The mediators said they would continue to work on the proposal in the coming days.

AA