'A serious deal': Hamas signals readiness for Gaza truce

"Hamas is ready for a ceasefire agreement and a serious deal to exchange prisoners," a senior Hamas official was cited as saying.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF NOVEMBER 27, 2024 08:26 Updated: NOVEMBER 27, 2024 08:54

HAMAS MEMBERS in Gaza. (photo credit: REUTERS)

Hamas has signaled its readiness for a truce in the Gaza Strip following Israel's signing of a ceasefire with Lebanon, AFP reported on Wednesday morning, citing a Hamas official. 

"We have informed mediators in Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey that Hamas is ready for a ceasefire agreement and a serious deal to exchange prisoners," the official told AFP.

The official, however, reportedly accused Israel of obstructing an agreement.

On Tuesday, Walla reported that sources in the security establishment have indicated that a ceasefire in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah, such that the terror organization would be bound to uphold its obligations, could bring about an advancement in the hostage deal negotiations. 

According to the report, such a deal could include Israel maintaining control over the Philadelphi Corridor in southern Gaza. 

Military pressure on Hamas

A senior security official told the Israeli news outlet that the military pressure applied on Hamas would near the possibility of achieving a deal. 

IDF soldiers operating in the Gaza Strip, November 25, 2024. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon came into effect at 4:00 a.m. local time. 

Sam Halpern contributed to this report. 

This is a developing story.