Hamas criticizes Israeli ground incursion in Gaza, declaring ceasefire breakdown
Hamas has condemned the Israeli army's launch of a ground operation in central Gaza, deeming it a serious violation of the January ceasefire agreement. Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior official within Hamas, expressed that Israel's movements towards...
TroibNews 
Hamas has condemned the Israeli army's launch of a ground operation in central Gaza, deeming it a serious violation of the January ceasefire agreement.
Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior official within Hamas, expressed that Israel's movements towards the Netzarim Corridor and its efforts to isolate northern Gaza from the south—with backing from the United States—undermine the ceasefire. He urged mediators to address the situation without delay.
Abu Zuhri warned that Hamas and other Palestinian factions "are prepared to respond to this move," suggesting the possibility of renewing attacks against Israel.
In reference to ongoing negotiations, he mentioned that "there is no progress in contacts with mediators because the occupation refuses to engage in negotiations."
He reiterated that Hamas "will not release the Israeli prisoners unless the occupation commits to ending hostilities, fully withdraws from Gaza, and lifts the blockade on the Strip."
Earlier, Hamas rejected Israel's latest proposal to extend the initial phase of the ceasefire deal. Following this, Israel resumed ground operations on Tuesday, accompanied by an ultimatum for the release of hostages and the ousting of Hamas from power. This escalation came after severe airstrikes that resulted in over 400 Palestinian casualties, mainly among women and children, marking the most lethal day in the conflict in 17 months.
The Israeli military stated that the objective of the ground operations is to expand the security perimeter and establish a buffer zone between northern and southern Gaza. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that failure to release hostages and dismantle Hamas would lead to "total destruction."
The resumption of hostilities has drawn international condemnation, particularly concerning civilian casualties and damage to UN facilities.
On Wednesday at UN guesthouses, one UN worker was killed, and five others were critically injured due to renewed Israeli bombing in Gaza.
"What's happening in Gaza is unconscionable. I am shocked and devastated by this tragic news," stated UN Executive Director of the Office for Project Services, Jorge Moreira da Silva.
Analysts suggest Israel's actions are motivated by a desire to prevent Hamas from bolstering its position and to exert pressure on the group for negotiations.
Qin Tian, deputy director of the Institute of Middle East Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, informed China Media Group that Israel aims to stop Hamas from re-establishing itself as a strong force on its border by applying military pressure to secure the release of hostages.
He added that the Israeli government was experiencing significant public pressure domestically, prompting its strategy to seek the return of more hostages by extending the first phase of the ceasefire. When Hamas did not acquiesce to this demand, Israel resorted to force to attempt to influence Hamas's actions.
Olivia Brown contributed to this article for TROIB News
Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior official within Hamas, expressed that Israel's movements towards the Netzarim Corridor and its efforts to isolate northern Gaza from the south—with backing from the United States—undermine the ceasefire. He urged mediators to address the situation without delay.
Abu Zuhri warned that Hamas and other Palestinian factions "are prepared to respond to this move," suggesting the possibility of renewing attacks against Israel.
In reference to ongoing negotiations, he mentioned that "there is no progress in contacts with mediators because the occupation refuses to engage in negotiations."
He reiterated that Hamas "will not release the Israeli prisoners unless the occupation commits to ending hostilities, fully withdraws from Gaza, and lifts the blockade on the Strip."
Earlier, Hamas rejected Israel's latest proposal to extend the initial phase of the ceasefire deal. Following this, Israel resumed ground operations on Tuesday, accompanied by an ultimatum for the release of hostages and the ousting of Hamas from power. This escalation came after severe airstrikes that resulted in over 400 Palestinian casualties, mainly among women and children, marking the most lethal day in the conflict in 17 months.
The Israeli military stated that the objective of the ground operations is to expand the security perimeter and establish a buffer zone between northern and southern Gaza. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that failure to release hostages and dismantle Hamas would lead to "total destruction."
The resumption of hostilities has drawn international condemnation, particularly concerning civilian casualties and damage to UN facilities.
On Wednesday at UN guesthouses, one UN worker was killed, and five others were critically injured due to renewed Israeli bombing in Gaza.
"What's happening in Gaza is unconscionable. I am shocked and devastated by this tragic news," stated UN Executive Director of the Office for Project Services, Jorge Moreira da Silva.
Analysts suggest Israel's actions are motivated by a desire to prevent Hamas from bolstering its position and to exert pressure on the group for negotiations.
Qin Tian, deputy director of the Institute of Middle East Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, informed China Media Group that Israel aims to stop Hamas from re-establishing itself as a strong force on its border by applying military pressure to secure the release of hostages.
He added that the Israeli government was experiencing significant public pressure domestically, prompting its strategy to seek the return of more hostages by extending the first phase of the ceasefire. When Hamas did not acquiesce to this demand, Israel resorted to force to attempt to influence Hamas's actions.
Olivia Brown contributed to this article for TROIB News
