Palestinian factions call ceasefire “blow to Israeli plots, “step towards ending war”

“The agreement represents a partial step towards easing the suffering of our people and securing the release of hundreds of brave prisoners from Israeli jails. It also reflects the resistance’s fortitude, the unity of the national position, and our people’s determination to obtain their freedom and dignity,” the resistance factions said in a joint statement on Friday evening.

“Despite the occupation’s persistent attempts to derail the negotiations and thwart the agreement, as well as Netanyahu’s efforts to prolong the war and suppress any chance to stop the aggression, the Palestinian negotiating delegation focused on our people’s interests,” the factions affirmed.

The factions also called the first phase of the ceasefire agreement a “crucial step towards halting the war on Gaza and ensuring the withdrawal of Israeli forces.”

“As we have embarked on this negotiation path amid the genocidal war, our eyes have remain fixed on the suffering of our people, who are enduring unprecedented horrors of killing, destruction, extermination and starvation. Despite the overwhelming bias in favor of the occupation, we acted with a deep sense of national responsibility, aiming to open a new horizon for life in Gaza and for our resilient people who remain deeply rooted in its land,” the factions said.

The factions also said that they had made great efforts to secure the release of all Palestinian prisoners from Zionist regime’s jails, including leaders of the Captive Movement, but the Israelis refused to release a large number of them.

The factions paid tribute to the people of Gaza, “who have faced the most horrific Zionist regime’s crimes with legendary resilience and steadfastness.”