Hamas says no interest in negotiations amid ‘hunger war’ as Europeans & China slam Israel’s Gaza plans

Representatives of the terror organization Hamas reiterated their rejection of talks about the renewal of a ceasefire with Israel on Tuesday, despite an Israeli ultimatum to return to the negotiating table or face a new offensive, which would aim to capture and hold the entire Gaza Strip.

Senior Hamas leader Bassem Naim told the French AFP news agency that there is no interest in talking to Israel at the moment and instead demanded the international community halt Israel’s “hunger war” against Gaza.

“There is no sense in engaging in talks or considering new ceasefire proposals as long as the hunger war and extermination war continue in the Gaza Strip,” Naim said.

He also called for pressure on “the Netanyahu government to end the crimes of hunger, thirst, and killings” in Gaza.

In another statement, Hamas said the Israeli decision to approve a new offensive showed it wants to “sacrifice” the remaining hostages.

The Foreign Minister of Egypt, which has led the latest hostage deal and ceasefire negotiations, called for a return to the terms of the latest agreement both sides signed on Jan. 19, and sharply criticized Israel’s current policy and stated plans in Gaza.

“We oppose and completely reject everything that is being published about the possibility of expanding the aggression and the international community must take tough, decisive and determined measures to stop the aggression and stop the systematic starvation policy against the Palestinian people,” said Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty.

“We have gone 60 days without a single truckload of humanitarian and medical aid entering the Gaza Strip, and this is shameful and disgraceful for the international community,” he said.

Israel’s prevention of humanitarian aid, as well as the cabinet decision to launch a large new offensive, have garnered criticism from several nations in recent days.

Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres “is alarmed by these reports of Israeli plans to expand ground operations,” said his spokesman.

Israel's reported plan “will inevitably lead to countless more civilians killed and the further destruction of Gaza,” he added. “Gaza is, and must remain, an integral part of a future Palestinian state.”

Somewhat more surprising was the strong condemnation from the UK, France, and Germany.

After a phone call between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, the British government stated: “Discussing the situation in Gaza, both expressed their deep concern at recent developments and agreed a renewed peace process was required.” 

France’s foreign minister, Jean-Noel Barrot said his country “very strongly” condemned Israel’s new military campaign, calling it “unacceptable,” and “in violation of humanitarian law.”

Germany’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Sebastian Fischer told reporters that reports about “Israel's conquering of northern Gaza, are very worrisome.”

“I just want to remind you that the G7 already made a clear statement in 2023, rejecting the occupation, settlement, and reduction of Gaza's territory, and also emphasizing that there can be no solution over the heads of the Palestinians,” he continued.

“Gaza belongs to the Palestinians, and in this sense, we would reject a permanent occupation,” Fischer added.

Several condemnations were issued, including from China, which said it “opposed” Israel’s ongoing “military actions,” and from Finland, whose foreign minister said she was “deeply concerned about Israeli plans” and called on Israel to “ensure unimpeded access of humanitarian aid to Gaza.”