“Ready for cease-fire,” Hamas

Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim told AFP news agency that the militant group was ready to reach a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.

The official is a member of Hamas’ Doha-based political office.

“If Israeli authorities present a ceasefire proposal and respect it, Hamas is ready to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip,” Naim told AFP.

“We call on the US administration and [US president-elect Donald] Trump to pressure the Israeli government to end the aggression,” according to him.

It comes about a week after Qatar declared the suspension of its position as a mediator in Gaza cease-fire and captive release discussions.

“Qatar would resume those efforts…when the parties demonstrate their willingness and seriousness,” Doha’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed Al Ansari, said in a statement.