Negotiations between Hamas and Israel on the proposal for a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza continue with the mediation of Egypt, with an official response from the Palestinian militia party expected for hours. In the meantime, however, Hamas never misses an opportunity to remind all its “followers” what its true reason for being is. The terrorist movement today released a video on its official channels showing an exercise, complete with “heroic” music in the background, by some members of the Islamist Palestinian political organisation. In camouflage and with various types of weapons, Hamas fighters are filmed taking part in field training and then attacking an Israeli tank. The terrorist group stressed again today that the agreement for a ceasefire on the Strip “must include national demands: that is, the complete and permanent end of the aggression, the full and total withdrawal of the occupation from Gaza”. The other key demands – said Taher Nunu, an adviser to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh – are the return of displaced people to their homes “without restrictions and a real prisoner exchange”. Meanwhile, a senior Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Hamas’ call for an end to the war “nullifies” efforts to reach a truce.
