Hamas has denied reports that it has informed the US that the truce with Israel is over, with a member of the movement’s political bureau accusing Israel of fabricating the claims. The denial comes after media reports suggested that Hamas had told US envoys that the ceasefire agreement in Gaza had ended due to repeated violations by Israel.
The agreement, signed in Sharm el-Sheikh, aims to halt hostilities in Gaza following months of intense fighting. The peace deal requires Israel to withdraw from parts of the enclave and Hamas to release 20 Israeli hostages in exchange for 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
However, tensions remain high, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announcing that Israel had conducted strikes in Gaza, killing five Hamas officials. Netanyahu claimed that the strikes were in response to a breach of the truce by Hamas, a claim the group has denied.
Hamas has called on mediators and the US administration to intervene and ensure that Israel abides by the terms of the agreement. The group’s denial of the reports comes amidst ongoing violence in the region, with at least 342 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes in Gaza since the ceasefire came into force, according to local officials.
The conflict began in October 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 others hostage. The ensuing Israeli operations have killed more than 69,500 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health authorities.
The situation remains volatile, with both sides accusing each other of violating the ceasefire. The international community is watching the situation closely, with the US and other mediators working to ensure that the agreement holds. The next steps will be crucial in determining the future of the conflict and the prospects for a lasting peace in the region.
