The "Hamas Movement" spoke about open means of confrontation if Israel continues to target Al-Aqsa Mosque and Palestinians in Jerusalem and does not change its policy towards the Gaza Strip, suggesting the adoption of other methods besides rockets. This follows a day after settlers stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque and amid talks led by Egypt aimed at solidifying a ceasefire. An Egyptian delegation is working between Tel Aviv, Gaza, and Ramallah to reach a long-term truce agreement that would allow for the reconstruction process in Gaza.
The Egyptian security delegation concluded its second visit to Gaza within 48 hours and departed after meeting with representatives of "Hamas" and Palestinian factions. The spokesperson for "Hamas," Abdul Latif Al-Qanou, stated that the Egyptian delegation was informed of the scale of destruction and devastation in Gaza and discussed mechanisms for reconstruction and breaking the imposed siege, which is viewed as a form of aggression.
He added: "We discussed with the delegation negotiations to stabilize the calm with the occupation, following the announcement made last Friday at 2 a.m. between the Palestinian factions in Gaza and Israel, after 11 days of aggression." The ceasefire faces a significant challenge with Israel changing its policy towards the Gaza Strip. Israeli Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi has recommended establishing a mechanism for the transfer of Qatari funds to Gaza through "Hamas" via the Palestinian Authority through a special system that delivers it directly to citizens.
Defense Minister Benny Gantz confirmed that Israel aims to improve how funds are transferred to the Gaza Strip and to monitor closely how they are used. He added that "Qatari money, which is the last oxygen pipe, will continue to enter, but Israel intends to transfer it through the Palestinian Authority, not directly to Gaza," suggesting the formation of a better oversight mechanism for these funds. Gantz pointed out that any progress in advancing economic projects in Gaza is contingent on finding a solution to the issue of prisoners and missing persons.
Israel kept the crossings closed yesterday and did not expand the fishing zone as is customary after any escalation round in the Strip. An Israeli security official confirmed that "the political level in Israel intends to change its policy toward the Gaza Strip and 'Hamas,'" stating that "any request to transfer goods via Kerem Shalom, or the bodies of infiltrators who died in hospitals in Israel, or citizens wishing to return to Gaza will be refused." He added that "Israel will change the rules of the game with Gaza. Messages to this effect have been conveyed to the Egyptian mediators."
Yesterday, Israel prevented the entry of aid, foodstuffs, and animal feed to the Gaza Strip. Bassem Ghabin, the director of the Kerem Shalom crossing in the southeastern Gaza Strip, stated that the occupation authorities only allowed the entry of medicines and medical supplies. Earlier, Israel allowed fuel to enter twice to supply Gaza's sole power station.
According to Haaretz, Israel will permit the opening of the Beit Hanoun and Kerem Shalom crossings in Gaza today, to allow for the entry of international humanitarian aid, including medical supplies from the United Nations through Kerem Shalom, as well as activists from relief organizations and foreign journalists into the territory via Beit Hanoun.
Sources informed Asharq Al-Awsat that "Hamas" firmly rejected the Israeli policy and the connection between completing a prisoner exchange deal and facilitating relief from the siege. The sources indicated that the movement seeks to finalize a deal and is prepared for negotiations over it, but not in connection with the ceasefire. They confirmed that "Hamas" threatened to resort to other exhausting means against Israel, which are not military, if the current Israeli policy continues.
Hamas spokesman Abdul Latif Al-Qanou stated: "Means of confrontation will remain open for the Palestinian people if the occupation and its settlers continue to storm Al-Aqsa Mosque." He added that "Hamas" is prepared and ready to confront any schemes aimed at displacing the residents of Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood, dividing Al-Aqsa Mosque, altering its features, and Judaizing Jerusalem, warning against a return to the causes of an explosion in the situation in Jerusalem’s arenas.
