Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh claimed of Hamas ending ceasefire talks because of ongoing Israeli attacks on regions containing civilians.
Ismail Haniyeh has told international mediators Qatar and Egypt that negotiations on a ceasefire plan first outlined by US President Joe Biden in May have collapsed. The close of the talks came a day after the Israeli airstrike on the Al-Mawasi refugee camp, which Israel said targeted Hamas military leader Deif, killing at least 90 people. According to a Hamas spokesman: “Commander Mohammed Deif is well and directly overseeing Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades and resistance operations.”
The agreement between Israel and Hamas had envisaged a six-week ceasefire with the exchange of most of the hostages taken during the 7 October Hamas attack on Israel for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. But now Hamas would “halt negotiations due to the occupation’s (Israel’s) lack of seriousness, continued policy of procrastination and obstruction, and the ongoing massacres against unarmed civilians,” the official said.
“Hamas has shown great flexibility to reach an agreement and end the aggression and is ready to resume negotiations when the occupation government demonstrates seriousness in reaching a ceasefire agreement and a prisoner exchange deal,” the leader informed.
Germany, Ireland at protests in support of Palestine
In the meantime, the European countries of Germany and Ireland swept by protests in support of the Palestinian side in its conflict with Israel.
Berlin saw more than 1,000 activists gather in front of the Steglitz Town Hall in south Berlin to demonstrate for similar causes. The protesters marched with Palestinian flags and carried banners with the inscriptions: “Ceasefire now,” “Stop the genocide in Gaza,” and “Gaza needs food, peace, and justice.”
During the rally, there were occasional clashes between police and demonstrators. The police particularly intervened and stopped the march when it reached Innsbruck Platz. More clashes ensued and a large number of demonstrators ended up under arrest. At least six activists sustained injuries during the protest. They received assistance from an ambulance crew called to the scene.
Ireland’s capital, Dublin, was also at the epicentre of protests over Israel’s actions on the Gaza Strip and the deaths of health workers. Protesters from the Irish Palestinian Health Workers Association held placards with slogans such as “Break the chains of Zionism”, “End the genocide” and “Palestinian babies are not targets.” Demonstrators read out the names of health workers killed in the Gaza Strip and displayed placards depicting US President Joe Biden to emphasise Washington’s partnership with Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip.
