Hamas leader: Siege on Gaza coming to an end
During the Eid al-Adha service, Ismail Haniyeh says the American 'deal of the century has failed since the Palestinian people have rejected it'; stresses the 'March of Return' has brought the Palestinian issue back to the center stage.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said Sunday the terror organization is on its way to ending the siege over Gaza, adding that not all humanitarian goods transported to the strip would have political consequences.
"This is the outcome of your stance and steadfast endurance," Haniyeh told a crowd of listeners during a service marking Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice
He also noted that the Egypt-mediated negotiations are being held and monitored by the Arab and international community and that the Hamas delegations sent to Cairo have discussed the internal Palestinian conflict aiming to achieve reconciliation with the rival Fatah faction.
"We will establish a national unity government and council. General elections with full Palestinian participation will follow," he promised.
Referring to the American efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East, Hamas leader said that President Donald Trump's efforts to achieve the "ultimate deal" have failed.
"Today, on our holiday, we announce that the deal of the century has failed since the Palestinian people have rejected it," he declared.
"The 'March of Return' placed the Palestinian issue once again on the center stage and revived the right of return," he continued.
Haniyeh also demanded that the Palestinian Authority halts its security coordination with Israel.
During the weekend, deputy Hamas leader in the strip Khalil al-Hayya, who took part in the Cairo talks, said that discussions on the ceasefire deal with Israel are in their final stretch.
According to al-Hayya, the potential arrangement is based on the understandings reached following Operation Protective Edge. "We are in favor of calm in Gaza so that our people can live in dignity while continuing the fight," he said.
Nevertheless, the ceasefire talks ended without any concrete agreements as the Eid al-Adha put them on a temporary halt. Talks are expected to resume next week.
Lebanese TV network Al Mayadeen, which is affiliated with Hezbollah, reported that the deal will include a year-long cessation of hostilities and the creation of a maritime route between the Gaza Strip and Cyprus under Israeli security supervision.
In addition, the report said that Qatar will pay the salaries of officials in Gaza together with the Egyptians, and will also pay the electricity bills in the strip in cooperation with Israel.
