Hamas Leader Condemns Israel for 'Barbaric Massacres'

Hamas’s political leader accuses Israel of causing destruction in Gaza to hide its losses. He also warns that Israeli and foreign captives in Gaza are at risk from the Israeli attack, just like the Palestinian residents.

Ismail Haniyeh stated that Israel is doing very cruel and deadly attacks on innocent people.

“Its villainy will not save them from resounding defeat,” he promised.

Israel initiated an attack on Gaza on October 7 in response to a devastating Hamas attack on southern Israel, which Israeli officials say killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians.

According to Palestinian authorities, the ongoing Israeli bombardment of Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 8,796 people, including 3,648 children.

Haniyeh, the Hamas leader, mentioned that Hamas had warned Israel’s government about what they saw as controversial policies. This included the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and attacks on Islamic holy sites like the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Haniyeh also stated that regional unrest would continue until Palestinians achieve their legitimate rights to freedom, independence, and the right to return.

Refugee camp hit

Following the second consecutive day of Israeli forces’ attack on the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, numerous casualties were reported by Palestinian officials.

The day before, more than 50 people were killed in an Israeli air raid in the densely populated neighborhood, according to Palestinian authorities. Additionally, Hamas claimed that seven Israeli hostages, three of whom held foreign passports, were killed in the attack.

Hamas’s military wing has previously said that “almost 50” hostages had been killed in previous Israeli air raids on the besieged territory.

Israel’s military confirmed that it carried out an air raid on the Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, which is the largest in the region. They stated that the attack on Tuesday resulted in the death of senior Hamas member Ibrahim Biari and several other individuals identified as “terrorists.” Israel asserted that Biari played a key role in orchestrating the attack that occurred on October 7.

UNICEF warning about child deaths

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concern that the Israeli assault is causing severe harm to the children of Gaza.

“More than 420 children are being killed or injured in Gaza each day — a number which should shake each of us to our core,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.

Hamas leader Haniyeh emphasized the need to stop the violence and urged the international community to continue supporting the Palestinian cause to put pressure on decision-makers. He accused Israel and its ally, the United States, of obstructing mediation efforts.

On Friday, during a United Nations general assembly vote, the United States and Israel were among only 14 out of 193 member countries to vote “no” on a resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian truce. However, 120 countries voted “yes” in favor of the resolution, while 45 abstained.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently rejected calls for a ceasefire, arguing that it would be seen as surrendering to Hamas. The major Palestinian armed groups in Gaza, including Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, have not called for a ceasefire either.