Hamas Leader Demands Israeli Withdrawal and Prisoner Exchange for Gaza Ceasefire

On Saturday, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh stated that Israel, with US support, has killed tens of thousands of civilians in Gaza. He demanded a complete Israeli withdrawal, prisoner exchange, and return of displaced people before agreeing to a permanent ceasefire.

Haniyeh's statement comes as Israeli strikes on the southern Gaza city of Rafah overnight killed 22 people. The US House of Representatives is on track to approve billions of dollars in additional military aid to Israel.

The Israel-Hamas war, now in its 6th month, has killed over 34,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health department. The conflict has devastated Gaza's two largest cities and left the territory on the brink of famine.

Why this matters: The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has resulted in a staggering loss of civilian life, displaced thousands, and sparked regional unrest. The demands by Hamas for a complete Israeli withdrawal and prisoner exchange highlight the complex challenges in achieving a lasting ceasefire and resolving the long-standing tensions in the region.

Tensions have also spiked in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where Israeli troops killed two Palestinians who allegedly attacked a checkpoint. The Palestinian Health Ministry said at least 469 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli soldiers and settlers in the West Bank since the start of the war.

Haniyeh criticized the US for providing "political protection for Israel's actions" by vetoing UN Security Council resolutions on a ceasefire. He called on Egypt, Turkey, Qatar, and European countries to restrain Israeli aggression and prevent a military operation in Rafah.

The conflict has had far-reaching economic impacts in the Israeli-occupied West Bank as well. Israel has tightened its grip by withholding tax revenues, leading to an "unprecedented financial crisis" for the Palestinian government. Critics accuse Israeli ministers of using these measures to "collectively punish Palestinians" and force political concessions.

Key Takeaways

• Hamas leader demands Israeli withdrawal, prisoner exchange before ceasefire
• Israeli strikes on Gaza kill 22, including 18 children; US to approve more aid to Israel
• Conflict has killed over 34,000 Palestinians, with 2/3 being children and women
• Hamas criticizes US for protecting Israel, calls for regional powers to restrain Israel
• Conflict has led to economic crisis in West Bank, with Israel withholding tax revenues