Hamas armed wing says still committed to truce deal with Israel

The armed wing of Palestinian militant group Hamas said Thursday it was committed to abiding by a ceasefire deal with Israel that began in January, even after its first phase had expired.

“Despite all the enemy’s attempts at evasion, lies and deception… we preferred and still prefer to adhere to the agreement in order to spare the blood of our people,” Abu Obaida, spokesman for the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, said in a video statement, after the warring sides had failed to agree an extension of the Gaza truce.