Hamas says 'no level' to talks as Israel plans expanded Gaza offensive

[ad_1] A senior Hamas official has mentioned there's "no level" in additional talks on a brand new Gaza ceasefire and hostage launch deal, after Israel authorised an expanded offensive that will embody seizing the entire Palestinian territory indefinitely.

Bassem Naim informed the BBC the armed group wouldn't have interaction with new proposals whereas Israel continued its "hunger battle".

On Monday, the Israeli navy mentioned the intention of the "wide-scale" operation was the return of hostages held by Hamas and its "decisive defeat".

Israeli officers mentioned it will contain "capturing" Gaza, displacing the vast majority of its inhabitants, and taking management of assist after a two-month blockade the UN says has precipitated extreme meals shortages.

The officers additionally mentioned the offensive wouldn't start till after US President Donald Trump's go to to the area subsequent week, giving Hamas what they known as a "window of alternative" to conform to a deal.

However Bassem Naim's feedback on Tuesday appeared to counter that.

UN Secretary Basic António Guterres warned that expanded Israeli floor operations and a protracted navy presence would "inevitably result in numerous extra civilians killed and the additional destruction of Gaza".

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron expressed deep concern at current developments and agreed that "a renewed peace course of was required", Downing Road mentioned.

In Washington, President Trump mentioned the US would assist provide meals to individuals in Gaza, with out going into particulars.

"Individuals are ravenous and we'll assist them get some meals. Lots of people are making it very, very dangerous," he mentioned. "Hamas is making it not possible as a result of they're taking all the things that is introduced in."

Israel lower off all deliveries of assist and different provides on 2 March and resumed its offensive two weeks later after the collapse of a two-month ceasefire, saying it was placing strain on Hamas to launch hostages.

It additionally accused Hamas of stealing and storing assist - an allegation the group has denied.

Help companies have warned that with no change in coverage, mass hunger is imminent.

They've additionally condemned Israel's proposal to ship assist by non-public firms at navy hubs, saying it will be a breach of primary humanitarian ideas and that they'd not co-operate.

The UN has mentioned Israel is obliged below worldwide legislation to make sure meals and medical provides for Gaza's inhabitants. Israel has mentioned it's complying with worldwide legislation and there's no assist scarcity.

The Israeli navy launched a marketing campaign to destroy Hamas in response to an unprecedented cross-border assault on 7 October 2023, wherein about 1,200 individuals had been killed and 251 others had been taken hostage.

Not less than 52,567 individuals have been killed in Gaza since then, together with 2,459 for the reason that Israeli offensive resumed, in response to the territory's Hamas-run well being ministry.