1. Introduction
Hamas has denied reports that it is pulling out of cease-fire talks, following an Israeli airstrike on Gaza that aimed to kill two top Hamas officials, resulting in at least 90 deaths and 300 injuries.
2. Denial of Cease-Fire Withdrawal
Izzat Al-Rishq, a member of the Hamas political bureau, described an AFP report claiming that the group would quit the talks as “baseless.” He accused Israel of escalating the conflict to block the path to an agreement.
3. Israeli Airstrike and Casualties
Earlier, AFP cited an official who stated that Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh had informed international mediators Qatar and Egypt that the organization would halt negotiations due to Israel’s “lack of seriousness, continued policy of procrastination and obstruction, and the ongoing massacres against unarmed civilians.”
Israeli security officials stated on Sunday that they were confident their targeted attack against Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif was successful, despite Hamas’ assertion that he was “well” and continuing to oversee operations. The second main target of the strike, Rafa Salama, commander of Hamas’ Khan Younis Brigade, was killed, according to the IDF. The IDF claimed this significantly impedes Hamas’ military capabilities.
4. Reactions from Hamas and Israel
Deif and Salama were alleged masterminds behind the October 7 attacks on southern Israel, in which almost 1,200 people were killed and 250 abducted, with 120 still being held in Gaza.
On Sunday, the IDF reported striking Hamas members operating in the area of UNRWA’s Abu Oraiban School building in the Nuseirat refugee camp in Gaza, which they said served as a hideout and operational base for attacks against IDF troops. The Hamas government media office reported that 15 people were killed in the strike.
5. Biden’s Cease-Fire Proposal
President Joe Biden proposed a cease-fire in late May, outlining a three-phase approach to a permanent end to the conflict, now in its tenth month. Although initially supported by Israel, Israeli officials later distanced themselves from it.
6. Current Status of Negotiations
Earlier in July, a source indicated that Hamas had dropped its objections to the US-backed cease-fire proposal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that a delegation was returning to the region.
In a news conference on Saturday evening, Netanyahu expressed doubt that the strike would hinder the ongoing talks. He affirmed Israel’s commitment to the US-backed cease-fire proposal but noted that Hamas had requested further changes. He emphasized Israel’s goals, including achieving its war aims and securing the release of hostages as part of a three-phase deal.
7. Conclusion
Israel launched a severe military campaign against Hamas following the October 7 attacks. According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, over 38,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the attacks, a figure that does not distinguish between civilian and combatant deaths.
