Hamas Snubs Ceasefire Talks, Decries Israel’s ‘Siege by Starvation’ in Gaza
Hamas has outright rejected any ongoing ceasefire discussions with Israel, denouncing them as meaningless while accusing Tel Aviv of orchestrating a “starvation war” against Gaza’s besieged population of 2.1 million.
Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim stated that engaging in negotiations is futile as long as Israel continues its blockade and full-scale military offensive. He urged the international community, including United Nations bodies, to acknowledge these actions as war crimes.
Israel’s security cabinet recently greenlit an expanded ground invasion of Gaza, a move that Hamas says could displace the majority of the population and lead to a de facto occupation of the territory.
The military operation includes the construction of a new security corridor, effectively splitting Gaza and creating what Israel’s defense officials call a “Hamas-free zone” by relocating residents to the south.
Hamas has interpreted this strategy as an abandonment of Israeli hostages, arguing it obliterates any chance for diplomatic progress.
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned Israel’s military expansion, warning that it will “inevitably result in massive civilian casualties and further decimation of Gaza.”
Likewise, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot branded the Israeli plan as “unacceptable” and a direct breach of international humanitarian law.
Since October 7, Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that at least 52,615 Palestinians have been killed and over 118,752 wounded. The Government Media Office suggests the actual death toll may exceed 61,700, as thousands remain buried beneath rubble, presumed dead.
As the humanitarian catastrophe escalates, international appeals for de-escalation grow louder, though a path to ceasefire remains elusive amid deepening hostilities.