Hamas accused Israel of hindering negotiations for a ceasefire

A senior official from the Hamas movement has accused Israel of undermining negotiations intended to establish a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The official claims that Israel’s reluctance to fully withdraw its military presence and cease its aggressive actions in the Palestinian region is hindering progress towards a resolution.

In an interview with Gaza’s Al-Aqsa TV, Osama Hamdan stated that Hamas has demonstrated “maximum flexibility” concerning the situation of Israeli captives. This stance is contingent on the cessation of military actions and occupation by Israeli forces in Gaza, as well as the facilitation of reconstruction and relief efforts in the region.

He further noted that Israel consistently fails to uphold the commitments established during ceasefire negotiations.

Hamdan emphasized that the resistance group is not only seeking encouraging statements but also concrete measures from the U.S. administration to facilitate a truce agreement in Gaza.

Hamas has been in discussions with mediators, including Turkey and other stakeholders, in an effort to secure international support that would compel Israel to agree to a ceasefire, according to official statements.

The widespread devastation and immense suffering endured by our population amid severe cold and hunger cast significant doubts on the efficacy of the international system, raising critical questions about its relevance and ability to address such crises.

A Hamas representative has asserted that Israel is targeting hospitals as part of a broader strategy to eradicate Palestinian presence in the area.

He stated that the healthcare sector in the Gaza Strip epitomizes the resilience of the Palestinian people and their enduring will to survive.

On October 7, 2023, Israel launched an extensive military operation in Gaza following a significant action by Hamas in response to Israel’s increased actions against Palestinians. A former United Nations official has condemned Israel’s ongoing assaults on medical facilities in Gaza, including hospitals, describing these actions as a “flagrant violation” of international law.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of at least 45,514 Palestinians in Gaza, predominantly women and children, with a further 108,189 individuals sustaining injuries, according to reports.

In a series of intensified military actions, Israel has reportedly targeted civilian infrastructure in Gaza, including hospitals, raising concerns over potential violations of international law.

In a separate segment of the interview, Hamdan refuted Israel’s assertions regarding the downfall of the resistance, stating that such claims have been convincingly disproven.

He further denounced the continuous military operations initiated by the Palestinian Authority in the northern West Bank, calling on security forces to shift their focus towards confronting Israeli forces rather than targeting resistance fighters.