GAZA: Hamas has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of undermining ceasefire negotiations following an Israeli strike on a cafe in Gaza City that reportedly killed six Palestinians, including a child.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Hamas said the attack represented a deliberate escalation and accused Netanyahu of attempting to disrupt efforts to consolidate the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
The group said the timing of the strike, following recent talks in Cairo and ongoing mediation efforts, indicated an intention to hinder negotiations. Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the ceasefire agreement and called on the United States and other mediators to pressure Israel to honour its commitments.
Hamas also urged mediators and guarantors of the agreement to prevent what it described as efforts to obstruct the Sharm el-Sheikh deal and broader international initiatives concerning Gaza.
According to Gaza Health Ministry officials, medical sources and witnesses, an Israeli drone strike targeted a crowded cafe at the fishermen’s port west of Gaza City. Six Palestinians were killed and 14 others were injured in the attack.
Hamas said it and other Palestinian factions remained committed to ensuring the agreement’s success, pointing to recent meetings with US envoy Jared Kushner and other mediators.
The latest tensions come amid disagreements over the next phase of the ceasefire arrangement. Netanyahu has insisted that Hamas must be disarmed before Israel withdraws its forces from Gaza.
Hamas, however, has said it is prepared to discuss surrendering its weapons only as part of a gradual and orderly Israeli withdrawal from the territory.
A US-led roadmap issued on July 31 reportedly outlined Hamas disarmament alongside a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Mediators continue efforts to advance implementation of the ceasefire agreement, which took effect on October 10, 2025. The latest dispute has raised concerns about the durability of the truce and prospects for progress in negotiations.
The situation remains closely watched as mediators attempt to bridge differences between the parties and prevent further escalation in Gaza.
