'Ready for Ceasefire,’ Says Hamas; Calls on Trump to Pressure Israel to End War

New Delhi: A top Hamas official stated on Friday that Iran-backed militant group is "open to a ceasefire" in Gaza. He called on US President-elect Donald Trump to exert pressure on Israel to cease its military actions, as Israeli forces continued ir bombardment of Palestinian territory.

“Hamas is rey to reach a ceasefire in Gaza Strip if a ceasefire proposal is presented and on condition that it is respected" by Israel, said Bassem Naim, a member of Hamas' political bureau based in Doha, in an interview with AFP. “We call on US ministration and Trump to pressure Israeli government to end aggression."

This comes as Qatar suspended its key mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel due to mounting frustration over lack of progress on a ceasefire deal for Gaza. Qatar informed both Israel and Hamas that it could no longer mediate, citing failure to negotiate in good faith.

 As a result, Hamas political office in Doha no longer serves its purpose, and Qatar has informed Hamas it must leave if it is not willing to engage in serious negotiations.

In Washington, a US official revealed that Biden ministration h informed Qatar two weeks ago that Hamas office in Doha was no longer useful and should be closed. A senior US official confirmed that after Hamas rejected latest ceasefire proposal, Qatar accepted vice and notified Hamas delegation of its decision 10 days ago.

A senior Hamas official acknowledged Qatar's decision to suspend its mediation efforts but stated, "No one told us to leave." 

Hamas has repeatedly demanded an end to war and full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza as conditions for a ceasefire. Meanwhile, Israel seeks return of hostages taken during Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack and insists on maintaining a presence in Gaza.