In a statement issued Tuesday evening, Hamas asserted that the statements of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom it described as a "terrorist wanted by the International Criminal Court," reflect his insistence on committing further war crimes against civilians in the Gaza Strip, under the full political cover of the US administration.
The statement added that the Palestinian people and their resistance, "whose steadfastness and perseverance thwarted the plans of Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi," will not be intimidated by the threats of current Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.
She stressed, "We are the owners of this land, and we will remain on it no matter how long the fascist occupation's aggression continues."
In its statement, the movement called on Arab and Islamic countries, along with the United Nations and international community institutions, to assume their responsibilities, take immediate steps to curb the Israeli government's aggression, halt its crimes, and work to bring its leaders to international justice.
Hamas also called on Arab and Islamic peoples and free people around the world to intensify their pressure campaign to halt the aggression against the Gaza Strip and support the Palestinian people's right to liberation, an end to the occupation, and self-determination.
On Friday evening, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided to expand the genocide in the Gaza Strip, including the recruitment of thousands of reserve soldiers, according to Yedioth Ahronoth, citing official sources.
Israeli media reported on Friday that the security cabinet approved plans for what it described as an expanded operation in the Gaza Strip.
In early March, the first phase of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement between Hamas and Israel concluded. The agreement went into effect on January 19, with Egyptian-Qatari mediation and US supervision.
While Hamas has adhered to the terms of the first phase, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court, has shied away from initiating the second phase in deference to extremists in his ruling coalition, according to Hebrew media.
Since March 18, Israel has resumed its genocidal crimes by launching violent, large-scale airstrikes, most of which targeted civilians in their homes and tents housing displaced persons.
