Hamas Exposes Ongoing Israeli Ceasefire Violations: A Call for Accountability

In a significant development concerning the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Hamas has detailed extensive Israeli violations during the initial phase of the ceasefire agreement. Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan addressed the public through a televised speech, highlighting a range of transgressions by the Israeli occupation regime that have adversely affected humanitarian efforts and the lives of Palestinians.

Hamas’s claims center around multiple issues related to humanitarian aid, shelter, and the agreed-upon humanitarian protocols. The following key points were raised by Hamdan:

Fuel Truck Shortages: The agreement stipulated the entry of 50 fuel trucks per day, yet only 978 trucks were allowed in over 42 days, averaging just 23 trucks daily.
Commercial Fuel Imports: Despite clear clauses in the agreement, Gaza’s commercial sector was denied fuel imports.
Mobile Homes and Tents: Out of the 60,000 mobile homes agreed upon, only 15 were permitted entry, alongside a limited number of tents.
Heavy Equipment Blockage: Only 9 machines were allowed in to clear rubble and recover bodies, whereas at least 500 are critically needed.
Building Materials and Medical Supplies: The entry of reconstruction materials and essential medical supplies was severely restricted, with only 5 ambulances allowed in.
Power Plant Repairs: The Israeli government has refused to restart Gaza’s power plant or permit essential repair equipment.
Financial Restrictions: There has been a blockage of cash flow to banks, with no replacement for worn-out currency.

In terms of military violations, Hamdan emphasized that Israeli occupation forces (IOF) have consistently breached the agreed withdrawal lines, particularly in the Philadelphi Corridor, advancing beyond the designated limits by 300 to 500 meters. This encroachment was often accompanied by gunfire, civilian casualties, home demolitions, and land bulldozing.

Furthermore, the IOF delayed its withdrawal from key areas such as Al-Rashid and Salah al-Din streets, preventing displaced Palestinians from returning for two consecutive days, which constitutes a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement. Hamdan also noted that Israeli aircraft continued to fly over Gaza daily, often for 10 to 12 hours at a time.

Fishermen in the region faced harassment as the occupation regime prevented them from venturing into the sea, leading to several arrests and incidents of gunfire.

Hamdan reported a staggering total of 962 military violations committed by the Israeli occupation regime during the ceasefire period, which included:

219 aerial reconnaissance flights
77 shooting incidents
45 ground incursions
37 shelling and targeting operations

These military actions resulted in 116 Palestinian martyrs and 490 injuries, alongside the detention of truck drivers and fishermen on five occasions.

Addressing violations concerning Palestinian prisoners, Hamdan pointed out several alarming issues:

Delays in the release of prisoners despite the agreement stipulating their release within one hour of the exchange of Israeli captives.
Withholding the release of the final batch of 600 prisoners from the first phase for five days, employing weak justifications.
Forcing released prisoners on February 15 and February 26 to wear clothing with Nazi symbols, while subjecting them to beatings and humiliation.
Refusing to disclose the names of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, revealing only 2,400 names and denying the release of 70-year-old detainee Siham Musa Abu Mazen from Gaza.

Additionally, Hamdan highlighted the violations at the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, noting that it remained closed to civilians in both directions. He stated that the IOF denied travel to numerous patients and wounded individuals, further obstructing the resumption of commercial and trade movement through this crucial crossing.

Regarding the Philadelphi Corridor, Hamdan criticized the Israeli regime for failing to comply with the gradual reduction of its forces as promised by mediators. While the agreement mandated a 50-meter weekly reduction, Israeli forces continued their advance, failing to initiate the agreed withdrawal by the 42nd day.

On a political level, Hamdan emphasized that the Israeli government has deliberately stalled the commencement of second-phase negotiations, which were supposed to begin on the 16th day after signing the initial agreement. Instead, Israel is now proposing a new agreement that contradicts the previously established terms.

In response to the Israeli campaign of aggression and misinformation, Hamas reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire agreement and expressed readiness to move forward with the second phase, ensuring that all provisions are implemented accurately. Hamdan held Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responsible for obstructing the agreement, warning that any reckless actions could lead to severe humanitarian consequences for both Palestinians and Israeli captives in Gaza.

Hamdan asserted that the only way for the Israeli government to recover its captives is to honor the agreement and begin second-phase negotiations without delay. He criticized Tel Aviv for attempting to reset negotiations by proposing alternative plans that circumvent the established terms.

The movement also called upon mediators and international entities to intervene, urging them to prevent Netanyahu from sabotaging the agreement. Hamas emphasized the necessity for the international community to exert pressure on the occupation regime to reopen border crossings and allow humanitarian aid, underscoring that this is a fundamental right under international law.

Furthermore, Hamas called for a comprehensive return to the agreement, aiming for:

A permanent ceasefire
The complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza
Humanitarian relief and shelter for displaced Palestinians
The reconstruction of devastated areas
Implementation of UN Resolution 22735

Hamas also advocated for a just resolution to the Palestinian issue, which includes:

The right to self-determination
An independent Palestinian state with al-Quds (Jerusalem) as its capital
The right of return for refugees

Hamdan concluded by cautioning that global security and stability are at risk due to U.S. support for the Israeli occupation and the international community’s inaction, which enables the regime to threaten another war on Gaza and intensify aggression in the West Bank and Lebanon.