Hamas rejects Israel's 'conquest' threats

Gaza [Palestine], May 6: Israeli attacks on Gaza killed at least 51 people since dawn on Monday, medical sources said, even as Israeli leaders have approved plans to expand the war on Gaza and take over aid deliveries to the devastated territory. But, Hamas vowed Israel's attempts will fail and rejected using aid as a "blackmail" tool.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi rejected any Israeli plans that involve capturing Gaza. The statement came amid reports that Israel has drawn up plans for the "conquest" and indefinite occupation of the territory.
Mardawi said the group would only accept a deal with Israel that includes a comprehensive ceasefire and the complete withdrawal from Gaza.
"Our people have no choice but to achieve a comprehensive deal that guarantees security and safety for our people," he said. He said any Israeli efforts to achieve concessions through threats or mass killings would fail.
The Israeli security Cabinet approved a plan to take over the Gaza Strip and for the army to control the territory for an unspecified amount of time, government sources said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the armed forces would move from carrying out raids to conquering the Gaza Strip and becoming a permanent presence there. The plan involves moving the population from the north to the south, according to the sources. Israel's aim is to defeat the Palestinian group Hamas and secure the release of the hostages Hamas is still holding.
Hamas should also be prevented from intercepting humanitarian aid supplies, according to the sources.
Netanyahu said he continues to support US President Donald Trump's plan for a "voluntary emigration of Gaza residents," and that discussions are under way with several countries. Trump's plan, that the United States would "take over" and "own" the Gaza Strip, was met with strong international criticism.
More than 52,400 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the war began, according to Hamas-controlled health authorities, including some 2,300 since fighting resumed on March 18.
"The European Union is concerned about the extension of these operations in Gaza, which will lead to further casualties and additional suffering for the Palestinian population," an EU spokesman told journalists in response to the Israeli plans.
"The EU urges for Israel to hold back," he added, reiterating the bloc's position "that negotiation is the only method, the only way forward for the return of hostages and the ceasing of all hostilities."
The EU also urged Israel to lift its blockade on Gaza and to allow "immediate access to and the distribution of humanitarian aid, as well as the restoration of electricity to Gaza and the restoration of critical services."
"The Palestinian population has suffered enough in recent years and that it's time to put an end to the violence and suffering."
The United Nations (UN) has rejected Israel's proposal to deliver aid into Gaza under military-controlled conditions in a statement on Sunday, citing serious humanitarian concerns.
The UN humanitarian team in Gaza said Israel's plan would violate core humanitarian principles and appeared "designed to reinforce control over life-sustaining items as a pressure tactic - as part of a military strategy." The proposed delivery mechanism would require UN approval to distribute supplies through Israeli checkpoints under conditions set by the Israeli military.
The UN team warned that the proposed strategy would force civilians into militarized zones to collect rations, placing both them and aid workers at risk. Vulnerable people with limited mobility may not be reached and the plan would likely contribute to further forced displacement.
The UN said it could only support schemes that uphold the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality.
Source: Qatar Tribune