Palestinian resistance group Hamas is ready to reach a cease-fire in Gaza, a senior official said Wednesday, hailing the cease-fire that took hold in Lebanon.
"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 told AFP, however accusing Israel of obstructing an agreement.
In a statement released later Wednesday, Hamas said "the enemy's acceptance of the agreement with Lebanon without achieving its preconditions marks a significant milestone in shattering (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu's illusions of reshaping the Middle East through force."
The group also praised the "pivotal" role of its ally Hezbollah in Lebanon.
In the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian Authority expressed hope that the cease-fire would bring stability to the region, especially in war-torn Gaza.
"We hope that this step will contribute to stopping the violence and instability that the region is suffering from," the Palestinian presidency said in a statement, highlighting the need to enforce a U.N. resolution for a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters on Wednesday that the group "appreciates" Lebanon's right to reach an agreement that protects the people of Lebanon and hoped for a deal to end the war in Gaza.
