Hamas has dismissed ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Israel, accusing the Israeli government of waging a deliberate “hunger war” against Palestinians in Gaza.
The accusation comes as a humanitarian crisis worsens in the territory while Israel advances plans for a broader military offensive.
“There is no sense in engaging in talks or considering new ceasefire proposals as long as the hunger war and extermination war continue in the Gaza Strip,” said Basem Naim, a senior Hamas official, as Israel advances plans for a full-scale offensive.
Israel’s security cabinet on May 5 approved a military strategy that includes what one official described as “the conquest of the Gaza Strip and the holding of the territories”.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have signalled preparations to displace many of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, many of whom have already been uprooted multiple times since the war erupted following Hamas’s October 7, 2023, assault.
Despite Qatar’s assurance that “efforts remain ongoing” to broker a ceasefire, negotiations have stalled. Israel demands a limited truce and Hamas’s disarmament, while Hamas insists any deal must ensure a permanent end to the war.
Following this stalemate of ceasefire, the humanitarian situation has grown worse.
Aid groups have also warned that famine is imminent, while Gaza’s civil defence reports rising civilian casualties, including children, in daily airstrikes.
While China expressed “deep concern” over the crisis, France condemned the planned Israeli offensive as a violation of international law.
The UN reiterated that Gaza must remain part of a future Palestinian state.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog called for intensified efforts to secure hostage releases, even as military operations continue. Of the 251 hostages taken on October 7, 58 remain in Gaza, with 34 presumed dead.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, 2,459 people have been killed since the Israeli offensive resumed on March 18, raising the total death toll to over 52,500.
Hamas’ attacks on Israel have reportedly resulted in about 1,200 deaths.
