Israel is ‘planning to escalate again’: Hamas official

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Basem Naim, a member of Hamas’s political bureau, has spoken to Al Jazeera about the group’s position on negotiations for phase two of the ceasefire.

Naim said that until now, the Israelis have refused to engage in negotiations for the second phase and, therefore, are violating and endangering the ceasefire.

He added that Israel has threatened directly or indirectly that its forces may resume fighting and are planning an escalation, but Hamas is committed to the ceasefire.

Israel has killed more than 100 Palestinians during the ceasefire, prevented aid promised in the agreement from entering the Gaza Strip and delayed the release of prisoners, Naim added.

Naim conveyed to mediators that Hamas is ready to negotiate on the second phase based on the original signed agreement. Hamas cannot accept ending the first phase on Saturday without being engaged or involved in negotiations for the second phase.

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