Hamas condemns 'Israel's' announcement of Operation Gideon’s Chariots 2

Hamas issued a statement on Wednesday condemning 'Israel’s' announcement of a new military campaign against Gaza City, calling it an extension of the ongoing “genocide” against Palestinians.

The statement came after the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) declared the launch of what it has named Operation Gideon’s Chariots 2, targeting Gaza City and the nearly one million residents and displaced people sheltering there. 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to formally approve the operation on Thursday.

Hamas described the move as “a blatant disregard” for mediation efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange deal. The group said it had already accepted the latest proposal put forward by mediators, but accused 'Israel' of rejecting diplomacy in favor of escalating violence.

“The Zionist government insists on continuing its brutal war against innocent civilians, seeking to destroy Gaza City and displace its people in a full-fledged war crime,” the statement read.

Hamas also accused Netanyahu of blocking progress on a deal, alleging he has no interest in the welfare of 'Israeli' captives held in Gaza. “His refusal to respond to the mediators’ proposal proves that he is the true obstacle to any agreement,” the group said.

The movement vowed that the newly announced operation would fail as previous campaigns had, warning that an occupation of Gaza would not be “a walk in the park.”

Hamas called on mediators to increase pressure on 'Israel' to halt its offensive and accused both the 'Israeli' government and the United States of bearing “full responsibility” for the humanitarian consequences of the assault.

The announcement marks a new stage in 'Israel’s' war in Gaza, which has entered its 23rd month with no ceasefire in sight.