Hamas has halted ceasefire negotiations in Gaza following an Israeli airstrike targeting its military leader, who remains unharmed.
92 Palestinians Killed
According to Liternaute this decision comes after Israeli airstrikes killed 92 Palestinians in the al-Mawasi camp near Khan Younis and 20 in the al-Shati refugee camp in Gaza City, according to Hamas officials.
Israel stated that the strike in Khan Younis aimed at high-ranking Hamas leaders Mohammed Deif and Rafa Salama, alleged orchestrators of the October 7th attacks, which resulted in 1,195 Israeli deaths.
The Israeli military claims the strike occurred in a Hamas-controlled area with no civilians present, asserting that most casualties were militants.
Lack of Seriousness
A senior Hamas official expressed frustration with Israel's "lack of seriousness" in negotiations and accused them of "massacring unarmed civilians." Hamas's political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, communicated this decision to regional mediators, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of obstructing ceasefire efforts through "odious massacres."
The conflict, ignited by Hamas's unprecedented October 7th attack on Israel, has claimed over 38,443 Palestinian lives, predominantly civilians, according to Gaza's health ministry. Efforts for a ceasefire, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, have faced significant setbacks. Netanyahu has vowed to continue the offensive until Hamas, deemed a terrorist organization by Israel, the U.S., and the EU, is destroyed, and all hostages are freed.
