Hamas Calls for International Pressure on Israel to Abide by Gaza Ceasefire Agreement

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem has emphasized the importance of the international community applying pressure on Israel to adhere to the terms of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. The agreement, which took effect on October 10, aims to end military operations and allow unrestricted humanitarian access to the besieged territory. Qassem has warned that Israel's potential use of humanitarian needs as a "political blackmail tool" is unacceptable and has urged "serious action to prevent a recurrence of the starvation policies practiced by the occupation during the long years of the blockade."

Key Takeaways:

  • Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem has called on the international community to pressure Israel to abide by the terms of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, particularly to end its military operations and allow unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza.
  • Qassem emphasized that Hamas had received "clear guarantees" from mediators, including Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, as well as "direct confirmations from the United States" that the war had effectively ended.
  • The Hamas spokesperson warned against Israel's potential use of humanitarian needs as a "political blackmail tool" and urged "serious action to prevent a recurrence of the starvation policies practiced by the occupation during the long years of the blockade."
  • Qassem stressed the need for unity among Palestinian forces to face the challenges ahead, calling for a "Palestinian national dialogue" with "open hearts and outstretched hands."
  • Conditions remain dire in Gaza, with many Palestinians facing a "daily struggle for survival" and large parts of the region remaining inaccessible due to the continued presence of Israeli forces.
  • A UN official has urged Israel to allow more aid trucks at more crossing points, noting that current aid deliveries remain well below the levels agreed under the ceasefire terms.
  • Since the truce took effect, scores of Palestinians have been killed in continuing attacks, and recovery teams are still uncovering bodies from beneath the rubble of destroyed neighborhoods.
  • Gaza health authorities have reported a death toll of nearly 68,300 since the Israeli genocidal war began in 2023, with tens of thousands more wounded and missing amid widespread destruction.

Statistics:

  • Since the Israeli genocidal war began in 2023, nearly 68,300 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, with tens of thousands more wounded and missing.
  • The death toll in Gaza has risen steadily, with scores of Palestinians continuing to be killed in attacks since the ceasefire took effect on October 10.
  • Tens of thousands of Palestinians are missing amid widespread destruction in Gaza, with many homes and neighborhoods reduced to rubble.
  • A UN official has noted that current aid deliveries in Gaza remain well below the levels agreed under the ceasefire terms, with many Palestinians facing a "daily struggle for survival."

Sources:

  • Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA)
  • Tehran - ISNA - October 13, 2023
  • ISNA Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( )