Osama Hamdan, the representative of Hamas in Lebanon, clarified that Israel has almost completed its preparations for a ground assault on the Gaza Strip, but a decision on the operation has not yet been made. In a statement to LBCI, he noted that the delay might be due to the failure of the American Secretary of State to fulfill his promise of providing Arab support for the aggression, as well as considerations regarding available resources and capabilities.
Regarding the opening of the Rafah crossing, Hamdan stated: "Our position is clear; Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people must stop, and it will not weaken the resistance's strength. We have sent several messages through our attacks that demonstrate our readiness for any eventuality." He added, "Israel attempted to carry out a process of displacement for the Palestinians, at least one million Palestinians, by opening the Rafah crossing. Both we and Egypt rejected that. Subsequently, Israel turned to internal displacement. However, the bombardment has convinced Palestinians that moving might be futile and could be a trap, so I do not believe there will be cooperation with them; thus, the issue of displacement will not succeed."
He continued: "We are interested in a prisoner exchange, but it must take place under specific conditions."
