Hamas Engages with Mediators to Address Israeli 'Aggression'
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Hamas remains in contact with mediators, responding positively to proposals to end Israeli aggression and lift Gaza's blockade. Spokesperson Abdul Latif al-Qanou accused Israel of escalating tensions and blocking humanitarian aid while expressing commitment to agreements aimed at protecting Palestinian rights.
Key Takeaways
- Hamas is in talks with mediators regarding proposals to stop Israeli aggression.
- Al-Qanou indicates that Israel is intensifying its blockade.
- Israel's airstrikes have resulted in significant casualties in Gaza.
- Netanyahu claims Hamas rejected extension proposals for the ceasefire.
- International condemnation has followed the Israeli airstrikes.
Gaza, March 19 (NationPress) Hamas has declared that it is in ongoing communication with mediators and is actively engaging with all proposals aimed at ceasing the Israeli 'aggression' and lifting the blockade on Gaza.
In a statement to the press, Hamas spokesman Abdul Latif al-Qanou remarked that the group has not dismissed the proposal from US President Donald Trump's envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, but has instead responded favorably to it, as reported by Xinhua.
Al-Qanou accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of reigniting hostilities to undermine the agreement.
He further claimed that Israel has intensified its blockade by closing border crossings, hindering humanitarian aid, and refusing to advance to the next phase of talks, aiming to overturn the agreement and escalate tensions.
"Hamas is dedicated to upholding the agreement and will continue to work flexibly with mediators to avert further aggression against the Palestinian people and hold the occupation accountable for its responsibilities," he stated.
On Tuesday morning, Israel initiated extensive airstrikes across Gaza, resulting in over 400 casualties and disrupting a fragile ceasefire that had been established on January 19.
Later, Netanyahu indicated that the airstrikes were a response to Hamas' rejection of Israeli and US proposals for extending the initial phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement that concluded on March 1. These proposals included extending the ceasefire duration and demanding that Hamas release more hostages.
Netanyahu also announced that Israel would intensify its renewed assault on the territory, stating that "from this point forward, negotiations regarding the Gaza ceasefire will occur only under fire."
Additionally, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar mentioned that officials from Trump’s administration were "made aware of the attacks beforehand and endorsed them."
The Israeli airstrikes have faced widespread condemnation from the global community.
