Hamas denies calling halt to hostage negotiations following IDF strike targeting Deif, claims ‘Mohammed Deif is alive’

Terror group accuses Netanyahu of 'obstructing the negotiations'

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Following reports in Israeli and international media, claiming that the Hamas terror group called a halt to the hostage ceasefire negotiation deal over the IDF strike targeting Mohammed Deif on Saturday, the group released a statement denying the claims.

“What was published by the French news agency, and circulated by some media outlets, about a decision by the Hamas movement to stop negotiations, in response to the Al-Mawasi massacre, west of Khan Younis, is baseless,” the Hamas statement said.

The terror group went on to accuse Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of trying to stop an agreement by conducting the strike.

“This Nazi escalation against our people by Netanyahu and his Nazi government, one of its goals is to block the way to reaching an agreement that stops the aggression against our people, which has become clear to everyone,” the statement continued.

It was previously reported by the AFP (Agence France-Presse) news channel that a Hamas official told the agency it was withdrawing from the negotiations after the IDF strike in Khan Younis on Saturday afternoon.

The official reportedly told the AFP: “Ismail Haniyeh informed the mediators that Hamas had decided to stop the talks, due to Israel's lack of seriousness, its policy of procrastination and ongoing interference, and the massacre of unarmed civilians.”

The official also denied reports that Deif had been killed in the attack.

“Deif is alive, and his condition is fine,” he said. “Deif is supervising the activities of Hamas' military wing in a good and direct manner.”

Hamas spokesman Jihad Taha told the Qatari newspaper Al-Arabi Al-Jadid that "the mediators of Egypt and Qatar are working to create a permanent ceasefire" and claimed that "all the mediators know who is obstructing the negotiations,” – an apparent reference to Netanyahu.

On Saturday night, Israel’s Channel 12 News reported that Israeli negotiators believe the assassination attempt on Mohammed Deif could cause a temporary halt in negotiations. However, according to the negotiators, the release of such a statement by Hamas should be viewed as part of an image-management and would not lead to a complete suspension of the talks.

Reuters also reported on Saturday night that two Egyptian officials notified the news agency of a halt in hostage talks.

Einav Zangaukar, mother of Israeli hostage Matan, lamented the order to conduct a strike when a hostage deal appeared to be close to finalization.

“The timing of the operation, when we are close to a deal, may harm our chances of embracing the abductees back. The liquidation of Deif must not become the liquidation of the deal,” she said.

She called on Netanyahu to “remove the obstacles” to securing a hostage deal.

“It is your duty to act to renew the talks, convene the cabinet and commit to the mediators that you are removing the obstacles you have placed,” Zangauker said. “If the deal does not go through, you will forever be remembered as the person who sentenced the citizens who were abandoned by you to death so that you could remain in the seat.”

Senior Hamas official Basem Naim also condemned the attack, telling Al Jazeera, “Every time that we get close to an agreement Netanyahu carries out a new crime” against the Palestinian people.

While Deif’s death has yet to be confirmed, London-based Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat reported that his deputy, Rafa Salameh, had been confirmed as killed in the attack. According to the report, his body was immediately retrieved from the attack site and buried shortly thereafter.