No Negotiations Unless Israel Halts Gaza Offensive: Hamas 

Stalemate in Ceasefire Negotiations

Hamas has announced its refusal to engage in further indirect negotiations unless Israel ceases its ongoing military offensive in Gaza. The Palestinian group has expressed willingness to enter into a “complete agreement” that would include an exchange of captives and prisoners, provided Israel ends its assault. This statement, released on Thursday, comes as the conflict in Gaza intensifies, with devastating consequences for the territory’s residents.

Mediation Efforts Stalled

Key mediators, including Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, have been working to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Despite their efforts, talks have repeatedly stalled, with both sides accusing each other of hindering progress. Hamas claims it has shown flexibility and entered previous rounds of negotiations with a positive attitude. It pointed to a mediator-proposed deal it accepted on May 6, shortly after the Israeli ground offensive in Rafah began.

In its latest statement, Hamas reaffirmed its position, stating that Hamas and the Palestinian factions would not engage in ceasefire negotiations amidst the ongoing aggression, siege, starvation, and genocide against their people. The group emphasized that if Israel halted its war and aggression, Hamas would be prepared to reach a comprehensive agreement, including a significant exchange deal involving hostages and prisoners.

 Escalating Violence in Gaza

The ongoing violence in Gaza has caused immense suffering and destruction. Israel’s offensive on Rafah in southern Gaza continues, despite an International Court of Justice (ICJ) order to cease the assault. The conflict has led to substantial casualties on both sides, with over 36,000 Palestinians reported dead and a significant portion of Gaza’s population displaced. The urban landscape of Gaza has been devastated, with many areas reduced to rubble.

Israel’s military campaign in Rafah, which it claims is aimed at rescuing hostages and eliminating Hamas fighters, has faced widespread criticism. The offensive has intensified despite international calls for restraint and concerns over the humanitarian impact. On Thursday, Israeli forces continued their operations, reportedly establishing control over a buffer zone along the Gaza-Egypt border. Israel claims this zone has cut off a crucial smuggling route used by Hamas.

 Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached alarming levels. The conflict has disrupted essential services, including communication and medical care. Gaza medical sources reported that an Israeli air strike in Rafah killed 12 Palestinians attempting to recover the body of a civilian. Elsewhere in Gaza, fighting persists, with casualties reported in various locations, including the Shati refugee camp west of Gaza City.

Aid organizations and the United Nations have issued dire warnings about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The conflict has severely restricted the flow of food, water, and medical supplies into the territory, leading to widespread malnutrition and the collapse of the healthcare system. Al Jazeera’s Hind Khoudary, reporting from Deir el-Balah, highlighted the dire conditions faced by displaced Palestinians. Khoudary reported from Al-Aqsa Hospital that people had been displaced seven or eight times since the war began and were struggling daily to protect their children from airstrikes and find them food and water. He noted that cases of malnourished children were on the rise.

International Response

The international community has responded with growing concern to the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The United States, Israel’s closest ally, has expressed opposition to a major ground offensive in Rafah but maintains that such an operation is not currently underway. Global outrage and warnings from aid groups and the UN about the consequences of the assault have not swayed Israel’s determination to continue its campaign.

The conflict has drawn considerable media attention, emphasizing the urgent need for a resolution. Hamas’ recent statement underscores the group’s position and the challenges that hinder any potential ceasefire agreement. As the situation continues to deteriorate, the calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and negotiations grow louder.

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