Hamas refuses negotiations unless Israel halts military offensive in Gaza

The Palestinian resistance group Hamas has announced it will no longer participate in indirect negotiations to secure a ceasefire unless Israel halts its military assault in the Gaza Strip.

Hamas released a statement on Thursday following Israel's launch of a ground offensive in Rafah, emphasising that it will not engage in talks without a complete cessation of Israeli aggression in the enclave.

Despite the Palestinian group accepting a ceasefire deal mediated by Qatar and Egypt on May 6, Israeli officials reiterated their intent to attack Rafah and rejected ceasefire negotiations. 

After seven months of relentless conflict that has ravaged Gaza, a glimmer of hope emerged when Hamas agreed to a ceasefire accord. However, Israel's offensive plans dashed those hopes.

Hamas stated that it has always approached negotiations positively, hoping to secure a complete ceasefire. 

However, Israel has remained undeterred, and escalated deadly attacks on Gaza, despite the International Criminal Court (ICC) ordering Tel Aviv to cease its military offensive in the enclave.

"Hamas and the Palestinian factions will not accept to be part of this policy by continuing [ceasefire] negotiations in light of the aggression, siege, starvation and genocide of our people," Hamas reaffirmed in its statement. 

"Today, we informed the mediators of our clear position that if the occupation stops its war and aggression against our people in Gaza, our readiness [is] to reach a complete agreement that includes a comprehensive exchange deal," it added.

The Israeli army's tanks also moved into central Rafah on Wednesday, signaling the beginning of a ground invasion, which has been widely condemned by the international community.

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the death toll in the enclave has reached 35,262. Israel is relentlessly targeting displaced civilians in Rafah, who have taken shelter in humanitarian zones. 

The attacks on civilians continue in Deir Al-Balah, Khan Younis, and other parts of the Gaza Strip. Israel's 20-day operation in Jabalia has devastated the city and destroyed more than 1,000 homes.