Hamas chief reaffirms commitment to ceasefire demands
Head of the Hamas Political Bureau Ismail Haniyeh affirmed on Wednesday the movement's commitment to its demands for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Haniyeh said in a speech, ahead of the International Quds Day, that the demands include the withdrawal of the Israeli army from the Gaza Strip, the return of the displaced to their homes, the entry of aid, the lifting of the blockade, reconstruction, and a dignified prisoner exchange deal.
In the speech, he accused the Israeli side of sticking to "indirect negotiations and not responding to the fair Palestinian demands to stop its aggression on Gaza."
He called on Arab and Islamic countries to form a popular front to put an end to Israeli aggression, and support the liberation battle waged by the Palestinian people.
Meanwhile, he emphasized that "the continued violence would not have endured without U.S. support and direct involvement in aiding Israel's actions, including supplying weapons and billions in assistance."
The International Quds Day, which falls on the last Friday of Ramadan every year, is to express support for Palestinians and oppose Israel's occupation of Jerusalem.
This year's occasion comes amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict since last October, resulting in the deaths of nearly 33,000 Palestinians, widespread destruction, and a humanitarian crisis.
The conflict came after Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israeli towns, killing around 1,200 people.
Related articles
I was 'brokefished' by my friend for £400
I need your help. My friend K has been recently telling our friendship group about how dire his fina2024-05-21Israel presses on with Gaza offensive approaching 100 days of war
File photo: A girl carrying a bird cage reacts as people flee following an Israeli strike in Rafah i2024-05-21Swedish alarm after defence chiefs' war warning
By Paul Kirby for the BBCThis handout photograph taken and released by Ukrainian Emergency Service o2024-05-21Christchurch man jailed for 14 years over role in US porn videos
The case was heard at a court in San Diego. Photo: Getty Images2024-05-21Trump accepts a VP debate but wants it on Fox News. Harris has already said yes to CBS
NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump said Friday his campaign has accepted an invitation from Fox News for h2024-05-21Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan gets 10
By Gibran Naiyyar Peshimam for ReutersFile photo: Imran Khan arrives at court in Islamabad last May.2024-05-21
atest comment