Hamas' New Leader Informs Israel of Ceasefire Readiness, CNN Reports

The newly elected leader of the Hamas radical Islamist movement, Yahya Sinwar, who assumed office following the assassination of former bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh, has conveyed a message to Israel through Egyptian and Qatari mediators regarding a potential ceasefire. This information was reported by the American news network CNN, citing Israeli sources.

According to the network, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is willing to enter into an agreement regardless of the consequences for his ruling coalition. However, several Israeli security forces are skeptical of the Prime Minister's willingness, considering the dissent from some far-right ministers within his coalition. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has vehemently opposed a ceasefire, labeling it as a 'capitulation.' National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who leads the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, has also expressed previous objections.

At the same time, U.S. authorities have 'conveyed' to Israel their expectation of a swift agreement on a ceasefire to avoid a broader regional war, according to CNN's source. Additionally, Joseph Borrell, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has stated that the EU should consider imposing sanctions on Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for their statements regarding the inhabitants of Gaza. The ministers have called for the reduction of fuel and food supplies and any assistance to the civilian population of Gaza.