“We reiterate that resistance and its weapons are a national and legal right as long as the occupation continues,” Hamas said in a statement. “This right is recognized by international laws and norms and cannot be relinquished until our full national rights are restored — foremost among them, the establishment of a fully sovereign and independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.”
Witkoff said that negotiations are now centered around an “all-for-all” deal—either all hostages are released at once, or no deal at all—rather than a phased release.
In response, Hamas dismissed the envoy’s remarks and visit as “a staged and pre-planned performance aimed at misleading public opinion and polishing Israel’s image.” The group denounced the statements as “false” and accused Israel of killing more than 1,300 “innocent, starving civilians” in Gaza, including aid workers.
The negotiations remain deadlocked amid continued fighting, humanitarian concerns and growing tensions over the future of Gaza’s governance and reconstruction.
