Hamas spokesman says terror group to continue truce-hostage deal talks despite Rafah evacuation

Hamas spokesman Abdelatif al-Qanou speaking to an Arabic television station on October 7, 2018. (Screenshot: Youtube)
Hamas spokesman Abdelatif al-Qanou speaking to an Arabic television station on October 7, 2018. (Screenshot: Youtube)

A Hamas spokesman says the Palestinian terror group will continue negotiations toward a potential truce and hostage deal, despite Israel’s call for civilians to begin evacuating from parts of Rafah in south Gaza.

“We will continue the negotiations positively and with an open heart,” Hamas spokesman Abdul Latif al-Qanou tells AFP.

He reiterates that an agreement needs to provide “for a permanent ceasefire and the fulfillment of the demands of our people.”

Israel has publicly rejected a permanent ceasefire and has said it has been left with “no choice” other than to launch an operation in Rafah after the apparent collapse of the talks and a deadly Hamas rocket attack launched from the Gazan city.

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