A senior Hamas official, Osama Hamdan, has stated that the assassination of Mohammed al-Houli, a commander in the Al-Qassam Brigades, represents a dangerous escalation and reveals the Israeli occupation’s intentions to undermine the ceasefire agreement.
In an interview, Hamdan asserted that the targeted killing reflects Israel’s determination to continue its crimes against the Palestinian people, exploiting American cover and guarantees. He argued that this assassination is an attempt by the occupation to disrupt the agreement and evade its obligations. This comes alongside ongoing Israeli violations and non-compliance with the terms of the first phase, including a full ceasefire, the opening of the Rafah crossing, and the entry of aid and fuel.
According to Hamdan, approximately 460 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began as a result of shelling and repeated violations of the agreement. Palestinian sources reported that Israeli forces assassinated Mohammed al-Houli, along with members of his family, in a strike targeting Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip.
Hamdan emphasized that Hamas and the resistance have adhered to all their commitments under the agreement, despite what he described as its infringement on Palestinian rights. He held the United States, as the primary guarantor, responsible for obligating Israel to fulfill its pledges. He further added that Washington’s inability or unwillingness to enforce these guarantees raises serious questions about its credibility with the Netanyahu government.
Regarding the second phase of the agreement, Hamdan stressed that progress requires real pressure from the guarantors, particularly the US administration. He warned that continued Israeli intransigence would lead to the failure of the agreement and a return to hostilities. The Hamas leader stated that the ball is now in Washington’s court to prove the seriousness of its commitments, especially regarding the formation of a committee to administer the Gaza Strip and enable it to operate without obstacles.
On the administration of Gaza, Hamdan reiterated Hamas’s support for handing over the administration to an independent national committee of Palestinian figures agreed upon, to manage the affairs of daily life.
