Khalil al-Hayya refuses to negotiate without lifting the siege and delivering aid to Gaza

As humanitarian aid enters the Gaza Strip, Khalil al-Hayya, a prominent leader in Hamas in Gaza, announced on Sunday evening that continuing negotiations for a ceasefire is meaningless in the face of ongoing blockade, destruction, and starvation of civilians.

Al-Hayya emphasized that the urgent and dignified entry of food and medicine is "the true and serious expression of the usefulness of continuing these negotiations".

Al-Hayya added in a recorded speech: "Negotiations cannot continue while we witness a blockade and destruction of our children, women, and people in the Gaza Strip", warning that Hamas will not accept that the blood and suffering of its people be fuel for the political maneuvers of the occupation.

Al-Hayya also rejected what he described as "the farcical plays" related to the Israeli airborne operations, affirming that each of the five landing operations equals a small truck of aid, indicating that these steps do not serve the purpose.

Al-Hayya's statements come amid the stalled indirect negotiations for calm between Hamas and Israel, at a time when several areas in Gaza continue to witness ongoing Israeli military operations, and mutual accusations between the two sides regarding the seriousness of the negotiations.

Gaza has been facing dire humanitarian conditions for months, with a severe shortage of food, medicine, and fuel due to the Israeli blockade on the main crossings, leading to a deterioration in the famine and malnutrition situation, according to UN reports.