Hamas in talks with mediators, accuses Israel of undermining deal

Hamas said on Saturday it remains in contact with mediators to advance the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, accusing Israeli authorities of systematically undermining diplomatic efforts through continued military operations and territorial expansion plans.

Israeli violations

Hazem Qassem, spokesman for the Palestinian group, said communication with mediators continues in pursuit of what he termed reasonable and acceptable approaches to the agreement's next phase. He said Israel is systematically violating the ceasefire terms through military actions and recent political announcements, citing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's declaration that Israeli forces would expand their control from 60% to 70% of the territory and implement plans amounting to displacement of the population.

Mediator criticism

Qassem said Israeli plans to seize over 70% of Gaza and displace the population amount to turning against the agreement itself, putting the credibility of all parties at stake. He criticized Nikolay Mladenov, executive director of the Peace Council, for complicating discussions by linking multiple issues to a single track, urging him to take a clear and decisive position regarding Israeli violations rather than becoming a partner to any future military escalation.

War casualties

According to Gaza's Health Ministry, Israeli violations of the ceasefire have killed 929 Palestinians and injured 2,811 others since the truce took effect on October 10, 2025. The ceasefire followed two years of war that claimed more than 72,000 lives and wounded over 172,000 people, with the second phase of the agreement originally envisioned under US President Donald Trump's Gaza plan to include Israeli withdrawals and the deployment of an international stabilization force to facilitate humanitarian aid and reconstruction.