Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri expressed support for Lebanon’s right to reach an agreement protecting its people and voiced hopes that the recent ceasefire in Lebanon could pave the way for a resolution to the ongoing war in Gaza.

In an interview with Reuters, Abu Zuhri acknowledged Hezbollah’s right to negotiate an agreement for Lebanon’s safety, adding that Hamas is committed to reaching a deal that ends what it describes as a “genocide” against Palestinians in Gaza. He also pointed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the primary obstacle to peace, accusing him of evading a ceasefire agreement despite Hamas’ willingness to negotiate.

“Hamas showed high flexibility to reach an agreement,” Abu Zuhri said. “The problem was always with Netanyahu who has always escaped from reaching an agreement.”

Meanwhile, in the West Bank, Palestinian Authority official Hussein Al-Sheikh welcomed the Lebanese ceasefire, calling for international pressure on Israel to end its actions in Gaza and the West Bank. Al-Sheikh, a close ally of President Mahmoud Abbas, condemned Israel’s military operations, urging a halt to what he termed the “criminal war” against the Palestinian people.

The international community continues to focus on the ongoing crisis in Gaza, with hopes that the shifting dynamics in Lebanon may influence negotiations for a broader ceasefire.