Hamas threatens to suspend ceasefire negotiations until aid is delivered to north Gaza

A senior official told AFP that the movement intends to suspend negotiations regarding the prisoner exchange deal until aid and relief are delivered to the northern Gaza Strip - where relief agencies have cautioned of an imminent famine.

The Hamas official stated that "Negotiations cannot proceed while hunger gnaws at the Palestinian people."

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Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas' Political Bureau, stated earlier that Hamas insists on a complete cessation of aggression and the withdrawal of the Israeli Occupation army from the Gaza Strip.

In addition to the lifting of the oppressive siege, and the provision of safe shelter for the displaced due to the Israeli Occupation's crimes - This also entails the return of displaced Palestinians, especially in the northern part of the strip, an end to the harsh policy of starvation, and a commitment to reconstruction, Haniyyah added in his statements.

These are all humanitarian imperatives recognized by the United Nations, human rights organizations, and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and the Israeli Occupation is obligated to adhere to them, he emphasized.

Haniyeh stressed that securing a prisoner exchange deal, particularly for long-serving and veteran Palestinian prisoners, is a key objective of the negotiations that cannot be overlooked.

He further stated that while Hamas engages in negotiations with a positive outlook and a sense of responsibility, it will not compromise on the sacrifices made by the Palestinian people and the accomplishments of its resistance.

He affirmed that Hamas will utilize all available means to halt the bloodshed perpetrated by the Israeli Occupation against the Palestinian population.