Hamas is laying blame at Israel’s door, claiming the fragile Gaza ceasefire is on the brink of collapse due to Israel’s failure to uphold its humanitarian obligations. In a statement, Hamas spokesperson Abdul Latif Al-Qanoua emphasized the group’s willingness to fully implement the agreement, but accused Israel of multiple violations impacting civilians.
Hamas alleges that Israel has launched attacks resulting in Palestinian casualties and is deliberately delaying the return of displaced civilians to northern Gaza. Key humanitarian aid, including vital shelter materials, fuel desperately needed for basic infrastructure, and essential debris removal equipment to recover bodies, is being blocked, they claim. The entry of medical supplies and materials to rebuild Gaza’s shattered hospitals is also facing significant delays.
The accusations don’t stop there. Hamas is also alleging that Israel has used “internationally banned weapons against Palestinian civilians” while hypocritically demanding the group disarm, and is calling for “international committees to investigate war crimes committed by Israel in Gaza.”
Al-Qanoua revealed that negotiations for the critical second phase of the ceasefire, which would deal with long-term issues, haven’t even begun, blaming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for intentionally “stalling the implementation.” Despite the standstill, Hamas insists it remains ready to engage in talks based on the agreement’s original terms.
According to Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem, the movement has demonstrated “the highest level of flexibility” in devising political and administrative strategies for governing Gaza, particularly during discussions with Egypt, including “agreeing to form a national consensus government” and “full acceptance of the Egyptian proposal regarding the Community Support Committee.” Qassem said that Hamas will continue to prioritize “the supreme interests of the Palestinian people” in post-war governance, ensuring it remains within the bounds of national consensus and free from external meddling. The group is even appealing to the Arab League to “support this stance and prevent any projects that could threaten Arab national security.”
The ceasefire took effect last month amidst the devastation wrought by Israel’s war, which has killed at least 48,300 people, mostly women and children, and left Gaza in ruins. It’s important to remember the broader context: the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, and Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions.
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