Hamas: Targeted killings of leaders by ‘israel’ bolster resistance; government aims to extend the conflict
A high-ranking member of the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement indicated that the organization remains committed to stopping Israeli actions against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, criticizing the Tel Aviv administration for delaying the ceasefire discussions.
Osama Hamdan, the Hamas representative in Lebanon, remarked on Sunday evening that they had notified the mediators after the invasion of Rafah on May 6 that the Zionist adversary is not genuinely pursuing a ceasefire. He added that the occupying regime has introduced new conditions for a Gaza ceasefire and has reneged on previously agreed terms.
He mentioned that Hamas officials have communicated their terms to the mediators, noting that Israeli representatives are pushing for a redeployment in the Philadelphi Corridor, a narrow strip of land approximately 14.5 kilometers (9 miles) long along Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, as well as for the Rafah border crossing to be managed by non-Palestinians.
“U.S. officials have stated that a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza conflict is imminent. However, Hamdan argued that this claim serves only electoral motives. He emphasized that they will not entertain any amendments to the terms settled on July 2, nor will they consider any new conditions.”
A delegation from Hamas departed Cairo on Sunday following discussions with mediators, according to senior official Izzat al-Risheq. The group emphasized their insistence that any agreement must include provisions for a lasting ceasefire and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
‘We refuse to cease’
“If it weren’t for this nation, the [Palestinian] resistance front wouldn’t have come into existence. The people here are the ones who created and continually backed it. Resistance fighters have made indescribable sacrifices marked by extraordinary heroism. Their valor is beyond words.”
“The senior Hamas leader declared that, despite the intense oppression and extreme hardships our people are facing under the Zionist adversary, the resistance forces persist in courageously opposing the enemy.”
Hamdan additionally mentioned that Hamas officials have conducted several meetings with representatives from other Palestinian political groups to develop a unified national vision and reach a consensus on establishing an all-encompassing Palestinian government.
He concluded his remarks by asserting that Israel’s targeted killings of Palestinian resistance leaders will not dissuade the nation from continuing on its resilient path. He emphasized that those fighting for resistance are unwavering in their willingness to sacrifice everything for the defense of their homeland and just cause.
