On Friday, the Hamas movement announced that it would no longer agree to a temporary truce in the future if a ceasefire agreement were not reached during the ongoing negotiations with Israel, accusing Tel Aviv of being obstinate.

A spokesperson for Hamas’s military wing said, “The movement is ready for a long battle with Israel,” adding, “If no agreement is reached during the current talks, the movement may not agree to any future truce.”

He continued, “If the enemy shows stubbornness in this round of negotiations, we cannot guarantee a return to partial deal formats or the proposal concerning the 10 prisoners.” He confirmed that the movement “is monitoring the negotiations and hopes they will result in a deal that ensures the end of genocide, withdrawal of the occupation, and relief for our people.”

He added, “We have repeatedly offered a comprehensive deal over the past few months in which we would release all prisoners at once,” noting that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his ministers “rejected our offer, indicating that they are not concerned about the prisoners because they are soldiers.”

He revealed that the military wing’s strategy at this stage is to “carry out targeted operations and attempt to capture Israeli soldiers.”

Israeli Channel 13 reported Friday that the U.S. envoy for hostage affairs said Israel and Hamas are close to reaching a ceasefire agreement.

Adam Boehler stated, “We are closer than we have ever been. If it doesn’t happen now, it will be due to Hamas’s intransigence.” He expressed optimism about reaching an agreement in the near future, adding, “It is possible. There hasn’t been a better time. Netanyahu succeeded against Iran, which gave him substantial leverage domestically. When you have strength, that’s the best time to take action.”