Hamas on Tuesday warned it will not advance to the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement until Israel faces greater pressure to reopen a key border crossing, halt deadly strikes, and allow more aid into the territory.
Husam Badran, a member of Hamas’ political wing, called for “full implementation of all first-phase terms” before moving forward, including ending ongoing demolitions of Palestinian homes in areas still under Israeli control.
Since the ceasefire began on October 10, Israeli military operations in Gaza have killed at least 376 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Israel has defended its actions as responses to attacks or incursions near its controlled areas, though civilians, including women and children, have also been killed.
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Hamas, with limited leverage, faces pressure from regional powers like Qatar and Turkey to maintain the fragile truce. Israel announced plans to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza via the Jordan-Israel border, while international discussions continue over governance arrangements in the next ceasefire phase.
The Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on southern Israel killed around 1,200 people and left 251 hostages, most of whom have since been returned.
Source: AP