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A senior Hamas official stated that the group is ready to negotiate a cease-fire in Gaza and a prisoner exchange deal, following the recent truce between Lebanon and Israel.
The announcement comes as the Lebanese cease-fire brokered through U.S. and French efforts, took effect earlier this week.
The Hamas official noted that mediators from Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye have been informed of their willingness to proceed with an agreement but accused Israel of hindering progress.
"We have informed mediators in Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye that Hamas is ready for a cease-fire agreement and a serious deal to exchange prisoners," the official said.
Tensions in Gaza have escalated since October, when Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israeli territory. Over 44,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel since the conflict began, according to Gaza's health ministry reports.
Meanwhile, the Lebanon-Israel cease-fire agreement, which includes provisions for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon within 60 days, raises hopes for de-escalation in the region.
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