Palestinian group says US special envoy echoing Israeli narrative despite Hamas accepting proposal
Hamas accused US special envoy Steve Witkoff on Wednesday of providing political cover for Israel's genocide in Gaza by blaming the Palestinian group for failed ceasefire negotiations.
Izzat al-Rishq, a member of Hamas's Political Bureau, criticized Witkoff's claims that Hamas disrupts Gaza ceasefire negotiations in a statement on Telegram.
Al-Rishq said these claims ignore Israel's systematic obstruction of talks.
He characterized Witkoff's statements as echoing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government while repeating the Israeli narrative.
Al-Rishq noted that the group accepted a ceasefire proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar on Aug. 18 while Israel ignored it and began preparations to occupy Gaza City.
He said Witkoff's statements showed bias toward Israel and provided Netanyahu with justification to continue Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
Israel's Security Cabinet approved a plan on Aug. 8 to occupy Gaza City. The plan involves displacing approximately one million Palestinians southward, surrounding the city and occupying it after intense attacks.
Israel has killed nearly 63,000 Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, which is facing famine.
Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.
