Hamas has rejected ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Israel, describing the process as “meaningless” while Gaza remains under blockade and its people face starvation.
In a recorded message released on Sunday, Khalil al-Hayya, a top Hamas official exiled from Gaza, declared that continuing peace talks would amount to a betrayal of the Palestinian people suffering inside the enclave.
No peace under starvation – Hamas
“The immediate and dignified delivery of food and medicine to our people is the only serious and genuine indication of whether continuing the negotiations is worthwhile,” al-Hayya said, rejecting what he called “empty discussions” being driven by international pressure.
He added, “As long as Israel maintains its brutal blockade and collective punishment, there is nothing to negotiate. Talks under these conditions are just political cover for more suffering.”
Israel insists on disarming Hamas
Israel has said any ceasefire deal must include a disarmament of Hamas and the return of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. But Hamas continues to demand a permanent end to hostilities and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Strip before releasing hostages or agreeing to any disarmament.
Sources close to the talks say Egyptian and Qatari mediators have been struggling to bridge the gap between both sides.
Gaza humanitarian crisis deepens
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has worsened in recent weeks, with aid groups warning of mass starvation, lack of medical supplies, and rising deaths among children due to malnutrition. Satellite images and on-ground footage show entire neighbourhoods reduced to rubble, with displaced civilians scrambling for food, water and shelter.
Despite repeated calls from the United Nations and aid agencies, border crossings remain largely shut, preventing humanitarian convoys from reaching desperate communities.
Hamas accuses Israel of negotiating in bad faith
Al-Hayya accused Israel of using the ceasefire talks to “buy time” while continuing military operations. “There is no trust left. Every time we come close to a deal, they escalate. Every promise they make is followed by another massacre,” he stated.
Hamas rejects ceasefire talks amid blockade
The Hamas leadership has made it clear: there will be no peace negotiations until Israel lifts the blockade and allows food and medicine into Gaza. For Hamas, ceasefire talks with Israel are pointless while the people of Gaza remain under siege. And unless that changes, the war, and the suffering will continue.
