The Palestinian Islamic militant group (Hamas) has accused the United States of distorting the truth by choosing war with Israel by refusing to release hostages.
In response to the accusations made by US National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes, Hamas issued a statement saying, “The claim that Hamas chose war over the release of hostages is a distortion of the facts.” Earlier, spokesman Bryan said, “Hamas could have released the hostages to extend the ceasefire, but instead has chosen denial and war.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has “rejected these initiatives and deliberately distorted them to serve his own political interests,” the Palestinian militant group said. After facing criticism in Israel, including from the families of hostages held in Gaza, Netanyahu accused Hamas of trying to prove that the problem could not be solved and to prolong his rule.
Israel resumed airstrikes in Gaza on Tuesday and then sent troops back into areas evacuated during the ceasefire. The move comes after weeks of disagreement with Hamas over extending the ceasefire that came into effect on January 19. Israel has said its military operation is necessary to free more hostages and secure the freedom of about 60 prisoners, dead or alive.
Many hostage families have instead called for a ceasefire, and most of the captives who have returned alive have called for a ceasefire. Hamas has accused the United States of comparing the attacker to the victim.
“The US statement once again reveals its full involvement in the attacks against our people and its complicity in the massacre, starvation and siege against more than two million Palestinians in Gaza,” the statement said.
