Hamas has strongly denied allegations that it notified US envoys that the ceasefire with Israel has concluded, labeling the reports as fabricated by Israel. Izzat Al-Rishq, a prominent member of Hamas’ political bureau, asserted that Israel is fabricating claims to circumvent the truce. The agreement, initially negotiated by former US President Donald Trump and mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, sought to cease hostilities in Gaza with terms including Israel’s withdrawal and the release of detained Israeli hostages.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Saturday that West Jerusalem had conducted strikes in Gaza, killing five Hamas officials. He claimed that the strikes were in response to a breach of the truce by Hamas, a claim the group has denied. In its latest statement, Hamas reportedly called on mediators and the US administration to intervene and ensure that Israel abides by the terms of the agreement.
At least 342 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza since the ceasefire came into force, according to local officials. Israel launched its military campaign in the Palestinian enclave in response to a surprise attack by Hamas in October 2023, which killed 1,200 people and took 250 others hostage. The Hamas-run Gaza health authorities report that the ensuing Israeli operations have killed more than 69,500 Palestinians.