Hamas rules out 2nd phase of Gaza ceasefire while Israeli violations continue

The U.S.-backed plan for Gaza cannot proceed to its second phase as long as Israeli “violations” persist, Hamas political bureau member Husam Badran said.

He accused Israel of failing to respect the current Gaza ceasefire deal, saying that under its terms Israel should have reopened the Rafah crossing with Egypt and increased the volume of aid entering the territory.

Badran urged the mediators to pressure Israel “to complete the implementation of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement.”

According to the Gaza authorities, Israeli servicemen have violated the ceasefire that took effect in Gaza more than 700 times since October 9.