Hamas accused Israel of deliberately delaying the implementation of the humanitarian track in the Gaza ceasefire agreement, particularly by obstructing the entry of essential supplies like shelter materials, fuel, and heavy equipment for rubble removal.

The movement’s spokesperson, Hazem Qassem, stated that Israel’s actions fall far short of the agreed minimum, reflecting a clear lack of commitment to relief efforts.  

The Israeli aggression has caused widespread destruction in Gaza, especially in the north, where homes, hospitals, water wells, schools, and infrastructure have been nearly completely destroyed.

Hamas emphasized that humanitarian relief is a central component of the ceasefire agreement and called on mediators, particularly Egypt and Qatar, to address the delays in implementing the humanitarian protocol.  

Hamas has informed mediators of its readiness to begin negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. A senior Hamas official confirmed that the movement communicated this during recent meetings with Egyptian mediators in Cairo.

Meanwhile, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani stressed the importance of adhering to the ceasefire terms and starting the second phase without delay.  

Qatar has begun coordinating with relevant parties to set the agenda for negotiations and prepare the groundwork for talks. The Qatari official warned that any delays could lead to further escalation and emphasized the need for international pressure to ensure the negotiations proceed smoothly.