Hamas Denies US Accusations of Ceasefire Violation, Labels Claims as Israeli Propaganda

Israeli forces have been documented providing supplies to anti-Hamas militia groups in Gaza, according to an investigation by Sky News, even as the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas faces accusations from the United States of planning to violate the existing ceasefire agreement.

Hamas forcefully rejected allegations from the U.S. State Department on Sunday, describing them as “false claims” that align with “misleading Israeli propaganda.” The movement denied any intentions of carrying out an “imminent attack” or violating ceasefire terms.

“These accusations provide cover for the continuation of the occupation’s organized crimes and aggression against our people,” Hamas said in a statement responding to Saturday’s claims from the U.S. Department of State.

The State Department had alleged it informed ceasefire guarantor nations of “credible reports indicating an imminent ceasefire violation by Hamas against the people of Gaza,” suggesting that a “planned attack against Palestinian civilians would constitute a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement.”

Hamas countered these allegations by pointing to evidence that Israeli authorities have “established, equipped, and financed criminal groups” responsible for various crimes against Palestinians, including killings, abductions, and theft of humanitarian aid. The movement referenced media reports and video evidence that allegedly demonstrate Israel’s role in creating instability in Gaza.

The Sky News investigation appears to support some of Hamas’ claims, having verified footage showing Israeli forces providing weapons, fuel, water, and food to anti-Hamas militia groups in Gaza. The investigation documented supply convoys moving from Israeli-controlled territory near the Erez crossing to areas controlled by militias, including the headquarters of a group called the “People’s Army,” led by Ashraf al-Mansi.

Neither Israeli officials nor the militia groups responded to requests for comment from Sky News regarding these documented activities.

Hamas maintains that Gaza’s police force, supported by the community, is working to combat these Israeli-backed groups through legal procedures to protect civilians and safeguard public and private property.

“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,” the Hamas statement read.

The Gaza Government Media Office has reported 47 Israeli violations of the ceasefire since it 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 has also criticized Israel for obstructing efforts to reopen the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, which would be essential for increasing humanitarian aid flow and allowing Palestinians to travel abroad.

The ongoing tensions highlight the fragility of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, with both sides accusing each other of violations and undermining security in the region. The documented support of militia groups by Israeli forces raises questions about Israel’s commitment to stability in Gaza, while U.S. allegations against Hamas suggest international mediators remain concerned about potential escalations from the Palestinian group.

The situation continues to evolve amid broader regional tensions and humanitarian concerns for Gaza’s civilian population, which has endured severe hardships throughout the conflict.