Hamas: Netanyahu's ‘endless' war in Gaza seeks to ‘buy more time'
Israeli captive Omer Shem Tov kisses the head of a fighter from Al Qassam as he was released in a prisoner-captive swap under the Gaza ceasefire deal, Feb. 22, 2025 - Hamas
CAIRO – 15 May 2025: Hamas condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for leading 'an endless war' in Gaza, accusing him of seeking to 'buy more time' while showing indifference to the fate of the captives.
In a statement reported by Al Qahera News, Hamas described Netanyahu as 'posing a danger to the region and the world,' calling for an international response amid the ongoing hostilities.
Hamas criticized Netanyahu's insistence on continuing the war despite ongoing negotiations, emphasizing the movement's objectives to halt Israeli aggression, ensure the withdrawal of troops from Gaza, and facilitate the release of captives.
Israel has intensified its attacks across Gaza, even though ceasefire negotiations began in Doha on Wednesday, complicating efforts to secure a prisoner exchange deal.
Hamas currently holds 58 captives, with 21 presumed alive, and has expressed its readiness to release all remaining captives in exchange for a full withdrawal of Israeli troops. However, Israel has stressed rejection to ending the war.
Tel Aviv has announced plans to expand its operations in Gaza and reoccupy the entire enclave indefinitely if Hamas fails to agree to the so-called 'Witkoff proposal' by the end of US President Donald Trump's current trip to the Gulf.
This proposal includes a ceasefire lasting only a few weeks in exchange for the release of half of the living hostages still held in Gaza. During this period, Israel is set to negotiate an end to the war without committing to a final resolution.
Monday was significant for Israel and the US, as Israeli-US soldier Edan Alexander was released by Hamas after spending 583 days in captivity since October 7, 2023, and was reunited with his family under a Hamas-US agreement.
Hamas has rejected the idea of a brief ceasefire and has repeatedly asserted that captives can only be released through negotiations.
The movement warned that renewed Israeli strikes on Gaza represent 'a death sentence' for the captives.
The Israeli war in Gaza has claimed the lives of more than 52,000 Palestinians since October 7, 2023, many of them women and children.
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