Hamas Denies US Accusation of Breaking Ceasefire, Claims Israeli Propaganda

Israeli-backed militias at center of dispute as Hamas refutes US ceasefire violation claims

Hamas has vehemently denied accusations from the US State Department that it plans to violate the Gaza ceasefire agreement, characterizing the allegations as “misleading Israeli propaganda” designed to justify continued military operations in the region.

The Palestinian resistance movement issued a statement Sunday directly addressing claims made by the State Department a day earlier. US officials had warned they received “credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the people of Gaza” that would constitute “a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement.”

Hamas countered that these accusations serve to “provide cover for the continuation of the occupation’s organized crimes and aggression against our people.” The group instead pointed to what it describes as Israeli-backed criminal elements operating within Gaza.

According to Hamas, Israeli authorities have “established, equipped, and financed criminal groups responsible for killings, abductions, the theft of humanitarian aid vehicles, and robberies targeting Palestinians.” The movement cited media reports and video evidence they claim show Israel’s acknowledgment of these activities.

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the fragile ceasefire. The Gaza Government Media Office reported Saturday it had documented 47 Israeli violations since the agreement took effect, resulting in 38 Palestinian deaths and 143 injuries. These actions were characterized as “flagrant and clear violations of the ceasefire decision and the rules of international humanitarian law.”

Hamas also criticized Israel for obstructing the reopening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, which they say has limited humanitarian aid and prevented Palestinians from traveling abroad.

Adding fuel to these claims, Sky News recently verified videos showing Israeli forces providing weapons, fuel, water, and food to anti-Hamas militias in Gaza. Their investigation documented supply convoys moving from Israeli-controlled territory near the Erez crossing to areas held by what Hamas describes as terrorist militias, including the headquarters of Ashraf al-Mansi’s self-proclaimed “People’s Army.”

When contacted by Sky News, neither Israeli officials nor the militias responded to requests for comment about these operations.

Hamas maintains that Gaza’s police force, with community support, is working to combat these groups and hold them accountable through legal procedures. Their stated aim is to “protect citizens and safeguard both public and private property” amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

“The movement calls on the US administration to cease repeating the misleading narrative of the occupation and to instead focus on curbing its repeated violations of the ceasefire agreement, foremost among them its support for these gangs and providing them safe havens within areas under its control,” Hamas stated.

This exchange comes at a critical juncture for Gaza, where civilians continue to face severe shortages of food, medicine, and basic necessities after months of conflict. International humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned about catastrophic conditions throughout the territory.

The accusations and counter-accusations between Hamas, Israel, and the United States underscore the complexity of maintaining the ceasefire and highlight the challenges facing any potential long-term resolution to the conflict. With each side blaming the other for undermining security and humanitarian efforts, prospects for sustained peace remain uncertain.