Hamas accuses Netanyahu of obstructing ceasefire agreement

Hamas said on Sunday that, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approval of a plan to occupy Gaza City, despite the movement’s acceptance of a mediator-backed proposal, shows his determination to derail an agreement.

In a new statement, Hamas has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being a “major obstacle” to reaching a ceasefire agreement in the ongoing Gaza conflict. The group claims it has accepted mediation efforts led by international actors and agreed to the terms of a proposed ceasefire deal.

Hamas pointed to remarks by US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, who revealed that Netanyahu had repeatedly stalled and set new conditions whenever an agreement was close.

Despite our agreement and willingness to proceed with the ceasefire through mediation, Israel continues to evade its commitments, Hamas spokesperson said Monday. “Netanyahu is personally obstructing the process.”

Earlier this month, the ‘Israeli’ government approved a plan to seize Gaza City, described as “Hamas’s last stronghold.” While implementation is not expected for several weeks, mediators still see a chance to revive negotiations.

Meanwhile, ‘Israeli’ Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed Sunday to press ahead with the assault despite international concern and domestic opposition, threatening that Gaza City would be “leveled to the ground” unless Hamas accepts ‘Israel’s’ terms to end the war and release all captives.