Key facts
- Hamas contacted mediators and Gaza's Board of Peace representative Nikolay Mladenov to urge pressure on Israel to halt violations.
- Hamas warned that humanitarian conditions in Gaza could worsen as winter approaches.
- Israel is blocking the entry of heavy machinery, tents, and supplies needed for rubble clearing and protection from cold.
- Three Palestinians were killed and over 20 injured in Israeli strikes on Al-Katiba area west of Gaza City.
- An Israeli special forces operation in Gaza was detected, leading to Israeli airstrikes that caused Palestinian casualties.
- Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed Israeli forces detained a senior Hamas leader.
Hamas announced Tuesday that it has been in contact with mediators and Gaza's Board of Peace representative Nikolay Mladenov to urge them to pressure Israel to cease escalating violations in the Gaza Strip and adhere to the ceasefire agreement. The group stated that these contacts followed an Israeli military operation in Gaza, which included airstrikes resulting in Palestinian casualties.
Hamas leadership strongly condemned what it termed a "criminal operation" by Israeli forces, accompanied by attacks and bombardment that led to deaths and injuries among Palestinians. The group has requested mediators and guarantors to apply "maximum pressure" on the Israeli government to halt the attacks, uphold the ceasefire, and fulfill its obligations under the agreement. Hamas also called for a "clear and strong" international stance condemning the attacks and warned of the repercussions if they continue.
The group warned that the Israeli escalation aims to undermine the ceasefire, derail implementation efforts, and create conditions for the continuation of Israel's war on Gaza. Hamas emphasized that continued attacks place an urgent responsibility on mediators and guarantors to act to de-escalate the situation and prevent a wider conflict. According to medical sources cited by Anadolu, three Palestinians were killed and over 20 others, including children, were injured in intensive Israeli strikes on the Al-Katiba area west of Gaza City. Witnesses reported more than 16 strikes within 30 minutes, accompanied by heavy gunfire and aerial activity.
Ismail al-Thawabta, director-general of Gaza's government media office, stated that an Israeli special forces unit's attempted operation was detected, leading to Israeli air cover and resulting in Palestinian casualties, as well as the deaths of several Israeli special forces members. The Israeli army confirmed striking "a number of targets" in Gaza City to "remove threats" to its forces, denying any troop injuries. Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed that Israeli forces had detained a "senior Hamas leader" without identifying him. Al-Katiba is a densely populated area for displaced Palestinians, containing the American Hospital, universities, and businesses, increasing risks to civilians.