Gaza strip: The Islamist terrorist organization Hamas, on Sunday rejected accusations from the United States that it is planning an attack on Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip. These statements were made in response to claims from the US State Department.
According to Ghana News Agency, the US State Department on Saturday warned that Hamas is planning an ‘imminent’ attack on Palestinian civilians. The department informed the guarantor powers of the Gaza peace plan about ‘credible reports’ indicating a violation of the existing ceasefire. The ceasefire, which came into effect on October 10, followed the withdrawal of Israeli troops from nearly half of the coastal strip. However, there were subsequent reports of executions of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip by Hamas.
In its statement, Hamas accused Israel of supporting ‘criminal gangs’ in Gaza that have committed a series of violent acts, including murders, kidnappings, theft of aid shipments, and attacks on Palestinian civilians. The organization labeled the US accusations as ‘baseless claims’ aligned with Israeli propaganda.
Recently, there have been multiple reports of violent clashes between Hamas and rival clans in the Gaza Strip that oppose Hamas’ rule. Israel has expressed concern as Hamas attempts to reassert its control over the area. Despite the ceasefire agreement, Hamas has refused to lay down its arms, which has been a point of contention in the ongoing conflict.