Hamas warns Israel’s invasion of Rafah pushing region toward disaster

The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says the Israeli raid into Rafah in southern Gaza will exacerbate the humanitarian catastrophe across the besieged territory.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the resistance movement said Israel’s incursion into the Rafah crossing is aimed at undermining the ongoing ceasefire efforts.

Israeli forces have killed at least 35 civilians, including women and children, in 12 hours.

“By deciding to close the Rafah and Kerem Shalom [Karem Abu Salem] border crossing, Israel is leading the region toward a disaster and continues its policy of starvation and persecution of [Palestinians],” the statement read.

Reports say Rafah invasion would further displace more than 1 million Palestinians, cut off aid from the region, and block sick and wounded Palestinians from getting treatment outside the besieged territory.

The incursion came after Hamas said it had agreed to a ceasefire proposal put forward by mediators Qatar and Egypt. But the regime says the proposed deal falls short of its demands. Israel says it will soon send a delegation to Egypt to discuss the proposal with mediators.

The Palestinian resistance movement said Benjamin Netanyahu only considers the interests of himself and his extremist cabinet.

Hamas holds US responsible for continuation of Israeli war

Elsewhere in the statement, Hamas held the administration of US President Joe Biden and the international community fully responsible for the continuation of hostilities.

Meanwhile, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, the spokesperson for the Palestinian Authority, called on the US to pressure Israel to abandon the Rafah invasion. He said the invasion threatens to double the suffering of Gaza’s displaced population.

Abu Rudeineh censured the US for providing Israel with “weapons, money and political cover” even as it creates an “unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe.”

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk