Israel comments on Hamas' refusal to participate in August 15 negotiations

The radical Hamas movement's refusal to participate in the next round of negotiations on Gaza on August 15 shows the world who exactly is preventing the conclusion of a deal on a ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave and the release of hostages, Dmitry Gendelman, an adviser to the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, told TASS, Report informs.

"Hamas' statements about refusing to participate in the negotiations show the whole world who is preventing the speedy return of the hostages and attempts to ceasefire in the Gaza Strip," he said.

Gendelman noted that "Israel has already confirmed its participation in the next round of negotiations."

However, the location of the consultations "has not yet been finally determined," he added.