Hamas has dismissed recent comments by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding a potential ceasefire as political posturing aimed at deflecting growing internal discontent and international criticism.

Jihad Taha, spokesperson for the movement, said on Wednesday that Netanyahu’s remarks are part of calculated “political manoeuvring,” accusing him of feigning flexibility while maintaining demands that the resistance firmly rejects. “The resistance will neither lay down its arms nor accept the expulsion of its leaders from Gaza,” Taha stated.

He clarified that discussions concerning senior Hamas figures, including Muhammad Sinwar, are internal matters for the resistance alone. “No official stance has been issued by the movement on this matter,” he added, warning against attempts to override national principles.

Taha welcomed global condemnation of Israeli actions, particularly recent European criticism following the targeting of a diplomatic delegation in the Jenin refugee camp. He praised all international voices that “expose the true face of the occupation and its crimes” and stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Since 7 October 2023, the Israeli occupation, with backing from the United States, has waged a devastating war on Gaza, resulting in the killing and injury of more than 173,000 Palestinians, the majority of them women and children. Over 11,000 people remain missing under the rubble.

Hamas reiterated its readiness for a comprehensive agreement that would involve the release of all Israeli captives in a single exchange, contingent on an end to the genocide, the withdrawal of occupation forces, and the release of Palestinian prisoners.

Netanyahu, who is currently being pursued by the International Criminal Court, continues to stall negotiations by introducing new conditions, including the demand for Hamas to disarm. The movement has firmly rejected this, insisting that no such step will be taken while the occupation endures.

Critics, including opposition politicians and families of Israeli captives, accuse Netanyahu of dragging out the war to serve his personal political interests and to satisfy the most extreme factions within his coalition.