GAZA: A year since the start of the bombardment in Gaza, Israel is still blocking a ceasefire agreement despite Hamas’ flexibility, Hamas chief negotiator and deputy Gaza chief Khalil Al-Hayya said in a speech shown on Hamas’ Aqsa television according to Reuters.

Hayya said that despite the flexibility on a ceasefire deal shown by Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government continued to stall and undermine talks.

Hayya said the group was not prepared to make concessions on its demands that Israel end the bombardment, pull out its forces from Gaza, return internally displaced residents to their homes, and strike a prisoners-for-hostages deal.

Hayya accused the world of double standards over Gaza and Lebanon, which he said would lead to more disruption and instability in the region.

Hayya reaffirmed the group’s standing behind the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, saying it put the Palestinian cause on top of the world agenda.

“We can say in full confidence, that the Palestine cause has become the prime cause in the world and all parties now realize that there can be no security and no stability in the region unless our people gain their full rights,” said Hayya.