A senior Hamas official has said there is “no point” in continuing talks over a ceasefire and the release of hostages, after Israel approved plans to widen its military operation in Gaza, as reported by BBC. Bassem Naim said Hamas would not consider any new proposals while what he described as Israel’s 'starvation war' continued. The Israeli military said on Monday that the goal of its broader campaign was to bring home hostages held by Hamas and to defeat the group. Israeli officials added that the offensive would include capturing parts of Gaza, moving most of the population, and controlling the delivery of aid. The Israeli government also said the operation would begin only after US President Donald Trump visits the region next week. They said this gave Hamas a 'window of opportunity' to reach a deal. However, Naim’s remarks on Tuesday suggested Hamas was not willing to return to negotiations under the current conditions. The United Nations Secretary General António Guterres said further ground operations and a longer military presence in Gaza would lead to more civilian deaths and destruction. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron shared concerns about recent events. They both said a new peace process was necessary. In the US, President Trump said America would help get food into Gaza. He said, “People are starving and we’re going to help them get some food.” He also said: “Hamas is making it impossible because they’re taking everything that’s brought in.” Israel stopped all aid deliveries on March 2. Two weeks later, it resumed its military operations after the breakdown of a ceasefire that had lasted two months. Israel said this was to increase pressure on Hamas to release the hostages. Israel also said Hamas was taking aid and storing it, but Hamas has denied this. Aid groups have said that without a change in policy, many people could soon face starvation. They also criticised Israel’s plan to use private companies to deliver aid at military points, saying they would not support such an arrangement. They said this went against basic humanitarian rules. The UN has said that under international law, Israel is responsible for making sure food and medical supplies reach Gaza’s population. Israel has said it is following international law and that there is no shortage of aid. Israel began its campaign against Hamas after a deadly attack on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage. Since then, at least 52,567 people have died in Gaza, including 2,459 since the fighting restarted, according to the health ministry in Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas. (With inputs from BBC)
