Hamas: No Ceasefire Talks While Israel Wages Starvation War on Gaza
Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim declares ceasefire negotiations meaningless amid Israel’s blockade and forced displacement in Gaza, as international condemnation mounts over famine and civilian suffering.
Watan-A senior Hamas official affirmed that there is “no meaning” to any ceasefire negotiations amid the ongoing Israeli “starvation war” in Gaza, calling on the international community to pressure the Israeli government to stop what he called a “crime of starvation.”
Bassem Naim, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, stated:“There is no point in indirect negotiations with the Israeli occupation, nor in considering any new ceasefire proposals, while the occupation continues its starvation and extermination war against the Palestinian people in Gaza.”
He added:“The international community must pressure Netanyahu’s government to end the crimes of starvation, dehydration, and killing in Gaza.”
Gaza Faces Famine and Renewed Strikes Amid Israeli Displacement Plan
Naim stressed that “the international community, including UN institutions, considers Israel’s starvation policy a war crime” and emphasized the urgent need to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza amid the growing famine.
His remarks came after the Israeli military announced Monday that its plan to expand operations and control Gaza—approved by the Security Cabinet—included the displacement of the “majority of the population” from the besieged enclave.
Gaza famine
Most of Gaza’s population, especially in Gaza City in the north, has already been displaced multiple times since the war began. Since March 2, Gaza has endured a complete blockade, triggering a dire humanitarian crisis. On March 18, Israel resumed its war on Gaza after a two-month ceasefire.
On Tuesday, Gaza Civil Defense spokesman Mahmoud Basal confirmed that three people, including a young girl, were killed and ten others injured in multiple Israeli airstrikes across Gaza.
UN, France, and China Condemn Israeli Plan as Gaza Nears Famine and Mass Displacement
On Monday evening, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern about Israel’s announced plan. His deputy, Farhan Haq, said the plan to expand ground operations would “inevitably lead to countless additional civilian deaths and further destruction,” reiterating that Gaza is “an integral part of a future Palestinian state.”
Three UN agencies recently called on Israel to lift the aid blockade, warning of impending famine. Israeli military spokesman Efi Dvirin claimed the coming offensive aims to “relocate most Gaza residents for their protection.”
France strongly condemned the Israeli plan. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on RTL radio:
“This is unacceptable,” adding that the Israeli government “is violating international humanitarian law.” He emphasized:“The most urgent need is a ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access.”
China also voiced its opposition on Tuesday. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said:“China is deeply concerned about the current situation and opposes Israel’s continued military operations in Gaza.”
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini condemned Israel’s aid blockade, calling it a “man-made famine with political motives.” For Palestinians, any displacement plan is seen as a “second Nakba.”
Earlier on Friday, the World Food Programme said it had delivered its final food stocks to Gaza’s hot-meal kitchens, warning that supplies would run out in the coming days.
Israel has halted all aid deliveries, accusing Hamas of diverting aid for its own benefit—an accusation Hamas denies, insisting Israel is using “starvation as a weapon of war.”
