GAZA, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Hamas on Sunday accused Israel of seeking to narrow ongoing ceasefire negotiations to a limited prisoner exchange, warning it would reject any agreement that does not lead to a permanent end to the conflict in Gaza and a pathway to Palestinian statehood.
Basem Naim, a senior Hamas political official, said in a statement that the group would not permit talks to become a "cover for resuming aggression and massacres" following a temporary pause in fighting.
Naim said Hamas remained committed to a broader agreement that includes a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, the reconstruction of the enclave, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
His comments came as a Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo on Saturday for negotiations mediated by Egypt and the United States. Naim described the talks as "complex," citing what he called a failure by regional actors to pressure Israel and accusing the international community of complicity in the destruction caused by the war.
He said discussions in Cairo had focused on ending hostilities, reopening Gaza's border crossings to allow the flow of humanitarian aid, and forming a committee to oversee governance in the postwar period.
Israel has said it will not allow Hamas to retain power in Gaza.
Talks in Cairo are expected to continue this week, though both sides have indicated that a breakthrough remains elusive. ■
