Hamas condemns Israel's 'systematic destruction' of Gaza

Gaza [Palestine], August 17: Hamas has said that for about a week, the Israeli military has been heavily assaulting the eastern and southern neighbourhoods of Gaza City, particularly Zeitoun.
The Palestinian group said in a statement that Israel is using warplanes, artillery and explosive robots to carry out "systematic destruction of the area as part of the savage war of extermination and the criminal plan aimed at destroying the Gaza Strip and all forms and means of life within it".
Hamas also shared a statement from senior official Mahmoud Mardawi, who said the Israeli military and violent settlers "will not succeed in deterring our people from defending their land and property" with their attacks across the occupied West Bank.
He said the "policy of displacement through the settlers' terrorist attacks targeting Palestinian towns and villages in the West Bank will fail".
Gaza's Health Ministry reported that the casualty toll since the start of Israel's war on Gaza has reached 61,897 people killed and 155,660 others wounded.
It said 70 Palestinians who were killed, including eight recovered from under the rubble or elsewhere, were brought to hospitals over the past day. At least 26 people were killed while seeking aid, and another 175 were injured. At least 1,924 Palestinians have now been confirmed killed and 14,288 injured while seeking aid.
According to the ministry, Israel has killed at least 10,362 people and wounded 43,619 others since March 18, when it broke the previous ceasefire agreement and started a total blockade of aid. (Agencies)
Source: Qatar Tribune