The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that the decision to restart military operations in Gaza came after “Hamas rejected two concrete mediation proposals presented by US President Steve Witkoff envoy.”
In a statement on Tuesday (18), Ministry spokesman Oren Marmstein said Israel agreed with both proposals, while Hamas did not.
“Starting this morning, Israel is operating in full force against the terrorist organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip,” the statement said. “From this point on, Israel will act against Hamas with increasing military intensity.”
THE CNN It is contacting Hamas to comment on Marmstein’s claim.
Hamas spokesman Abdul Latif al-Qounou, expressed early on Tuesday that the group joined the “all terms” of the truce that both sides reached in January and “was anxious to consolidate and move to the second phase, but the occupation refused.”
The ceasefire should have three phases. The first stage began in January and expired on March 1.
Hamas wanted to enter phase two – which would have seen the Israeli troops to withdraw from Gaza and the release of all living hostages maintained by the Palestinian group.
Instead, Israel pressed for an extension of phase one without committing to end the war or removing the troops.
This content was originally published in “War in Gaza resumed after Hamas rejected a US proposal,” says Israel on CNN Brazil.
Source: CNN Brasil
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