Hamas: Israel Responsible for Any Escalation Due to Ceasefire Violations

Radwan revealed that Hamas had handed over the body of Israeli officer Hadar Goldin and expressed readiness to close the file on remaining captives. He noted that retrieving the bodies of four other Israeli soldiers requires specialized equipment and personnel due to the extensive destruction in Gaza.
Ongoing Violations and Humanitarian Crisis
Radwan stated that since the ceasefire began, 241 Palestinians have been killed and 619 wounded due to continued Israeli attacks, particularly in the eastern, northern, and southern regions of Gaza—including the “Yellow Zone,” which was designated as a ceasefire area under the agreement.
He criticized Israel for failing to uphold humanitarian protocols, noting that only 150 to 200 aid trucks have entered Gaza, far below the agreed daily quota of 600. Essential supplies such as tents, prefabricated shelters, and reconstruction materials have been delivered in extremely limited quantities.
Radwan warned of worsening famine conditions and a severe shortage of medical supplies. He said over 15,000 wounded and ill individuals require treatment outside Gaza, yet the Rafah crossing remains closed. He described the closure as a “humanitarian crime” and urged the international community and mediators to pressure Israel to reopen the crossing and honor its commitments.
Security and Dignity in Withdrawal
Regarding the Yellow Zone, Radwan said Hamas has proposed withdrawing its forces—especially from Rafah—to avoid giving Israel a pretext for further attacks. He emphasized that any withdrawal must be conducted with dignity and security, not manipulated for Israeli political or electoral purposes.
Radwan reiterated that Hamas will only respond defensively to Israeli incursions and called on the United States and mediators to pressure Israel into implementing the ceasefire and advancing to the second phase of the agreement.
Prisoner Exchange and Ongoing Suffering
Since the first phase of the ceasefire began on October 10, Palestinian factions have released 20 Israeli captives alive and returned the bodies of 25 out of 28 deceased individuals. Israel has conditioned further negotiations on the recovery of the remaining bodies, while Hamas insists that the process is delayed due to the scale of destruction.
According to Gaza’s government media office, approximately 9,500 Palestinian victims remain buried under rubble. Additionally, over 10,000 Palestinian detainees—including women and children—are held in Israeli prisons, with reports of torture, starvation, and medical neglect, some resulting in death.