Hamas is ready to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, a senior official in the Palestinian group said on Wednesday, hailing the ceasefire that took hold in Lebanon.
"We have informed mediators in Egypt, Qatar and Turkey that Hamas is ready for a ceasefire agreement and a serious deal to exchange prisoners," the official told AFP, however accusing Israel of obstructing a deal.
In a statement released later Wednesday, Hamas said "the enemy's acceptance of the agreement with Lebanon without achieving its preconditions marks a significant milestone in shattering (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu's illusions of reshaping the Middle East through force."
The group also praised the "pivotal" role of its ally Hezbollah in Lebanon.
In the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian Authority expressed hope that the ceasefire would bring stability to the region, especially in war-torn Gaza.
"We hope that this step will contribute to stopping the violence and instability that the region is suffering from," the Palestinian presidency said in a statement, highlighting the need to enforce a UN resolution for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Violence in the West Bank -- occupied by Israel since 1967 -- has surged since the Israeli offensive after Hamas's unprecedented October 7, 2023 resistance campaign on Israel.
Thousands of Lebanese head home as Israel-Hezbollah truce takes hold
Israel conducts deadly strikes on Syria as Lebanon truce begins
Thousands of Lebanese head home as Israel-Hezbollah truce takes hold
Israel conducts deadly strikes on Syria as Lebanon truce begins
