28.07.2025 00:30
The leader of Hamas in Gaza, Khalil al-Hayya, stated that it is meaningless to continue negotiations with Israel while hunger and massacres are ongoing in Gaza. The Hamas leader called on Arab and Islamic countries to sever their ties with Israel.
The leader of Hamas in Gaza, Khalil al-Hayya, stated that there is no point in continuing negotiations with Israel while hunger and massacres persist in Gaza.
In a video message published on Hamas's Telegram account, Khalil al-Hayya highlighted the attacks and blockade in Gaza and called on Arab and Muslim countries to sever their political and commercial ties with Israel.
"WE HAVE BEEN NEGOTIATING FOR 22 MONTHS TO END THE WAR"
Al-Hayya noted that as Hamas, they have been conducting difficult negotiations for 22 months to end the war on Gaza and have shown all possible flexibility. He expressed that during the last round of negotiations in Doha, the capital of Qatar, they made significant progress, particularly regarding prisoners, Israel's withdrawal from Gaza, and the entry of aid, and received positive responses from Israel.
"WE WILL NOT ALLOW THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE TO BECOME VICTIMS OF NEGOTIATION GAMES"
Despite this progress, Al-Hayya stated that Israel withdrew from the negotiation round with the support of U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East Special Representative Steve Witkoff, and while doing so, it prepared Palestinians for forced displacement by killing people at so-called aid distribution points and establishing a humanitarian aid city in Rafah.
"CONTINUING NEGOTIATIONS WHILE MASSACRES PERSIST IS MEANINGLESS"
Al-Hayya remarked that Israel uses negotiations as a cover for its "starvation policy and genocide," attempting to achieve successes on the battlefield through this means. He stated, "There is no point in continuing negotiations while the blockade, hunger, and genocide continue. The only thing that signifies the meaning of continuing negotiations is the immediate entry of medicine and food into the region in a way that does not undermine the dignity of the Palestinian people. We will not allow the Palestinian people to become victims of Israel's negotiation games."
CALL TO ACTION FOR GAZA
Al-Hayya, stating that they do not accept aid dropped from the air, said that this means deceiving the public eye, and the real step to be taken in this regard is the opening of border gates.
Addressing Arab and Islamic countries, Al-Hayya called for "taking action towards Gaza from land and sea, besieging Israeli embassies, and severing political and commercial relations with Israel."
He also requested that the scholars and religious leaders of the Islamic ummah fulfill their duty to lead the masses against Israel.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Hamas announced that it had responded to the draft presented by mediators regarding a prisoner exchange with Israel and a ceasefire in Gaza on July 24.
The Israeli Prime Minister's Office stated in a written statement that Hamas's response had reached Tel Aviv through mediators and was being evaluated.
U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East Special Representative Steve Witkoff claimed that "Hamas is reluctant regarding a ceasefire," and noted that they decided to recall their team conducting ceasefire talks in Doha, Qatar, "for consultation purposes."
Hamas expressed surprise at Witkoff's "negative statements" towards them, emphasizing that they are determined and willing to participate in negotiations and complete the process in a way that would lead to a lasting ceasefire and overcome obstacles.