Hamas says it received guarantees from mediators, US administration to completely end Gaza war

GAZA -- Hamas said on Thursday that it has received guarantees from mediators and the US administration confirming the complete end of the war in the Gaza Strip.

Khalil al-Hayya, chief of the Hamas negotiating delegation, said in a televised statement that the guarantees pave the way for the implementation of the first phase of the US plan for a permanent ceasefire.

"We have received guarantees from the mediators and the US administration confirming that the war has ended completely," al-Hayya said. He added that Hamas would continue working with Palestinian national and Islamic factions to complete the remaining steps of the agreement, safeguard the interests of the Palestinian people, and achieve their legitimate rights until the establishment of an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

Al-Hayya reaffirmed Hamas' approval of the agreement reached during the three-day negotiations held in the Egyptian resort city of Sharm El Sheikh. He said the agreement includes a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, the entry of humanitarian aid, the reopening of the Rafah crossing in both directions, and a prisoner swap.

Under the deal, 250 prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 detainees from Gaza arrested after Oct 7, 2023, will be released, in addition to all women and children, according to al-Hayya.

The announcement came after three days of indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel in Sharm El Sheikh, with the participation of the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye, aimed at reaching a comprehensive agreement to end the war in Gaza. Enditem