Hamas politburo chief Khaled Meshal, who is based in Damascus, told the PA’s Al-Ayam news agency that his organization is indeed willing to reach an agreement with Israel despite statements from Jerusalem to the contrary.

Meshal explained that Israel must withdraw to pre-June 1967 borders, which includes liberated Jerusalem, all of Yehuda, Shomron, Jordan Valley, the Golan Heights and more. He stated Hamas is also seeking a total ceasefire, introducing the new buzz word, “tahadiyeh” but this demands a cessation of Israeli operations in Yehuda, Shomron and Gaza. Tahadiyeh seemingly replaces the earlier term “hudna”, now stating Hamas is committed to a total ceasefire but Israel has rejected the terms.

He stated to date, Israel is only willing halt military operations in Gaza, which without Yehuda and Shomron is unacceptable to Hamas.

Regarding captured soldier Gilad Shalit, he stated a deal was already cut, detailing the stages of release of prisoners from Israel in return for Shalit, but Israel has rejected the majority of the names on the Hamas list.

Meshal added that Israel has made several attempts to contact him, all of which he rejected.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)