Camilla Jessen
Israel’s plan to fully seize and control the Gaza Strip has triggered a sharp response from Hamas.
A senior Hamas official has declared an end to further ceasefire negotiations, following Israel’s announcement of an expanded ground offensive and indefinite occupation of the Gaza Strip.
“There’s no point in negotiating anymore,” said Bassem Naim, speaking to the BBC.
Naim criticized what he called Israel’s continued “war of starvation” against Gaza and said Hamas would not consider new proposals under such conditions.
Total Military Control
Israeli officials stated Monday that the military aims to displace the majority of Gaza’s 2.1 million residents, seize full territorial control, and oversee all humanitarian aid flowing into the region.
This would follow a two-month blockade that has already drawn international scrutiny.
Israel insists that its primary goals are the return of hostages still held by Hamas and the “dismemberment and decisive defeat” of the militant group.
The offensive, according to Israeli sources, will not begin until after U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to the region next week.
Officials described this delay as a final “window of opportunity” for Hamas to agree to a ceasefire and hostage deal.
International Backlash
Israel’s strategy has prompted strong reactions from Britain, France, and the United Nations.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that such actions would “inevitably lead to the killing of countless civilians and the continued destruction of the Gaza Strip.”
Several UN agencies and aid partners condemned Israel’s plan to reroute humanitarian assistance through private contractors delivering to military-run centers, calling it a violation of humanitarian principles.
They have made it clear they will not cooperate with aid delivery under those conditions.