Al Jazeera reports comments made by Hamas political bureau official Basem Naim regarding negotiations around the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire.

Naim told Al Jazeera the group must be involved in phase two of ceasefire negotiations if they are expected to fulfil their obligations under phase one.

“We are committed to this deal, but we cannot accept to go for the end of the first phase — which is next Saturday — without being engaged or involved in the negotiations about the second phase,” Naim said.

Naim continued that Hamas remained committed to the ceasefire, even as Israel has violated the deal by preventing aid from reaching Gaza, delaying the release of Palestinian prisoners and carrying out attacks in the coastal enclave.

“I think the Israelis are planning to escalate again, despite [the fact] — we have said many times — we are committed to the deal. We have done already our duties according to the deal, and we are ready to continue implementing the deal,” Naim said.