GAZA/DOHA—The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has issued a stern warning that the second phase of the current ceasefire agreement cannot be implemented if violations by Israeli forces continue. This strong statement comes as renewed tensions and military actions threaten to collapse the fragile peace efforts in Gaza.
Hamas Political Bureau member Hussam Badran told international media that the second phase of the deal cannot commence “as long as the occupying force’s violations persist.” He urgently called on the mediating countries to exert pressure on Israel to fully comply with the terms of the ceasefire agreement and ensure its complete implementation. Badran stressed that the mediators must push Israel to adhere to the provisions of the first phase to prevent the derailment of the entire process.
The Human Cost in Gaza
The political warning is set against a backdrop of escalating violence and humanitarian disaster in Gaza. In the past 24 hours alone, Israeli firing has resulted in the death of one Palestinian and injuries to six others.
The most alarming figures pertain to the casualties recorded since the official ceasefire announcement on October 11: 377 Palestinians have been killed and 987 wounded in Israeli attacks since the truce was supposed to begin. Rescue teams have recovered the bodies of 626 martyrs. The cumulative toll since October 7, 2023, is devastating, with 70,366 Palestinians killed and the total number of injured reaching 171,064, illustrating the continuous and tragic loss of life in the territory.
