2025-05-06T06:27:00Z

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A senior official from Hamas has declared that the group is no longer interested in pursuing any truce discussions with Israel. This announcement, made to the Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Tuesday, follows a significant escalation in military operations by Israel in Gaza, which was outlined by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday. Netanyahu announced a more aggressive offensive strategy that focuses on Israeli forces maintaining control over recently captured territories, a move that is expected to lead to large-scale displacement among the local population.

Basem Naim, the Hamas official who spoke to AFP, emphasized the futility of engaging in ceasefire talks under current conditions. He stated, “There is no sense in engaging in talks or considering new ceasefire proposals as long as the hunger war and extermination war continue in the Gaza Strip.” Naim called upon the international community to exert pressure on the Netanyahu government to put an end to what he described as “crimes of hunger, thirst, and killings” affecting civilians in Gaza.

The backdrop to these statements is the recent collapse of a temporary ceasefire, which had provided a fragile respite from the violence that has engulfed the region. Since that ceasefire fell apart in mid-March, Israeli military operations have intensified, with reports indicating that over 70% of Gaza is now under Israeli control or subject to evacuation orders directed at Palestinian civilians residing in specific neighborhoods. This situation has exacerbated the already dire humanitarian crisis in the region, where basic necessities are becoming increasingly scarce.

Moreover, the conflict has extended beyond the borders of Gaza, with Israeli airstrikes reported in neighboring Yemen and Lebanon, indicating a broadening of military operations. The ongoing violence has raised alarms internationally, with humanitarian organizations calling for urgent interventions.

As the conflict progresses, there remains a growing concern about the fate of the hostages held by Hamas. It is believed that dozens of Israeli captives were taken during a surprise attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Reports suggest that many of these individuals may no longer be alive, adding another layer of tragedy to an already complex and devastating conflict.