Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh asserted on Saturday that Israel cannot force its choices on the group and that Hamas will reject any agreement that fails to ensure security for Palestinians. His statement came in response to an Israeli military offensive in Gaza’s al-Nuseirat area.
Haniyeh emphasized that “our people will not surrender and the resistance will continue to defend our rights in the face of this criminal enemy.” He further stated, “If the [Israeli] occupation believes that it can impose its choices on us by force, then it is delusional.”
This declaration followed an Israeli military operation in which four hostages were rescued from two separate locations in central Gaza’s al-Nuseirat area. The operation was part of the ongoing conflict between the two sides.
The Hamas-run health ministry reported that at least 55 Palestinians were killed and dozens wounded in Israeli attacks on Nuseirat and other central Gaza areas. Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official, commented to Reuters that “regaining four captives after nine months of fighting is a sign of failure, not an achievement.”
The situation remains tense as both sides continue to engage in conflict, with no immediate resolution in sight.
