Hamas leader Mahmoud Mardawi said Thursday that Palestinian factions have responded responsibly and seriously to previous initiatives to halt the war on Gaza, reiterating the resistance's readiness to continue negotiations responsibly.

Mardawi said in a statement, "The past period witnessed the introduction of a number of initiatives and proposals seeking to calm the situation, halt the aggression, and implement political and humanitarian relief measures, including the withdrawal from Gaza, the exchange of prisoners, the commencement of reconstruction, and the lifting of the siege."

He stressed that the Palestinian forces had dealt with these initiatives responsibly and seriously, "but the occupation reneged on the understandings, broke its promises to the mediators, and returned to a policy of killing and escalation."

He stated that "this evasion not only reveals the arrogance of the occupier, but also presents the international community with a new test: either act in accordance with law and justice, or continue with a policy of double standards, which threatens stability not only in Palestine but in the entire region."

He stressed that "the resistance affirms its readiness to continue working and negotiating responsibly to achieve our goals," adding, "Resistance has never been futile. Rather, it has been and remains a legitimate means against injustice and a path to justice and liberation."

Mardawi stated, "It is time to restore Palestinian rights and pave the way for a just and comprehensive solution that ends the occupation and guarantees freedom and dignity for the struggling people."