Hamas want truce

GAZA CITY, Palestinian Territories (AFP) — The armed wing of Hamas said on Thursday it remained committed to its fragile ceasefire with Israel, after Donald Trump told the people of Gaza they would be “DEAD” if hostages held there are not freed.

The first phase of the six-week-old truce expired at the weekend and talks on the deal’s future have hit an impasse.

The deal, largely halted more than 15 months of war in Gaza between Israel and Palestinian militants.

Trump’s warning followed his administration’s revelation that it held unprecedented direct talks with Hamas — listed as a “terrorist” group by Washington — focused on American hostages in Gaza.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed Israel was consulted and said it had “expressed its opinion” on the talks.

“Despite all the enemy’s attempts at evasion, lies and deception... we preferred and still prefer to adhere to the agreement in order to spare the blood of our people,” Abu Obaida, spokesperson for the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, said in a video statement.

On Wednesday, Trump issued what he called a “last warning!” to Hamas leaders, telling the movement to immediately release all hostages “or it is OVER for you.”