GAZA: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of obstructing a ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza conflict by committing “heinous massacres.” This statement followed two Israeli attacks in Gaza that, according to Palestinian officials, resulted in over 100 casualties.
An Israeli strike on the Al Mawasi camp for displaced persons, aiming at the Hamas military chief, reportedly killed at least 90 people and wounded 300, as stated by the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled region. Another attack on a makeshift mosque in the Al-Shati refugee camp claimed at least 20 lives, according to the civil defense agency.
Haniyeh reached out to officials in Qatar, Egypt, Oman, and Turkey, urging them to intervene. He claimed that Hamas had responded positively to new ceasefire and prisoner exchange proposals but accused Netanyahu of placing obstacles to prevent an agreement. He condemned Netanyahu’s recent comments and the introduction of “new conditions and points” in the ceasefire proposal originally outlined by US President Joe Biden in May.
Qatar and Egypt have denounced the Israeli strikes, with Haniyeh calling on international mediators to press the American administration to stop the violence. Meanwhile, Netanyahu maintained that Israel’s military actions are aimed at dismantling Hamas and securing the return of hostages taken during the October 7 attack. He also stated that Israel must control Gaza’s border with Egypt to prevent arms smuggling to Hamas.
During a press conference, Netanyahu claimed that Hamas had sought 29 changes to the ceasefire proposal, but he insisted on adhering strictly to the original outline endorsed by President Biden. “I am not moving a millimeter from the outline that President Biden gave his blessing to, but I am also not allowing Hamas to move a millimeter,” Netanyahu declared.
The escalating conflict and mutual accusations highlight the complexities and challenges in achieving a ceasefire, as both sides continue to suffer significant casualties and destruction.
