Hamas says Israeli escalation is continuation of ‘war of extermination’ in Gaza

Hamas said Israeli escalation through intensified bombardment across the Gaza Strip, which it said killed more than 20 civilians including children and a paramedic, constitutes a direct continuation of the war of extermination and aggression.

In a statement, Hamas said the escalation reflects the premeditated intentions of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to obstruct implementation of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, particularly by preventing the opening of the Rafah crossing.

The movement rejected Israeli claims that a shooting incident targeting one of its soldiers triggered the escalation, describing them as a pretext to justify continued killing and aggression against Palestinians. Hamas said the actions amount to an attempt to impose a permanent reality of repression and terror in Gaza, in blatant disregard of the ceasefire agreement and existing understandings.

Hamas called on mediators and guarantor states to take a firm stance against “Netanyahu’s systematic efforts” to undermine the agreement and resume genocide, killing and starvation in the Gaza Strip.

The movement added that continued Israeli aggression, despite the transition to the second phase of the ceasefire and the opening of the Rafah crossing, represents a deliberate sabotage of efforts to consolidate the truce. It said the actions reflect an ongoing policy of killing and siege aimed at evading obligations under the Trump plan, to which Hamas said it had committed.

Hamas urged immediate international pressure to halt the violations and to compel Israel to respect its pledges and commitments under the ceasefire agreement.

READ: Hamas says arrangements complete to hand over Gaza administration to national committee