Hamas condemns Israeli ground operation in Gaza as ceasefire unravels

Hamas has condemned the Israeli army's initiation of a ground operation in central Gaza, saying it constitutes a significant breach of the January ceasefire agreement. 

Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas official, stated that Israel's advance toward the Netzarim Corridor and its actions isolating northern Gaza from the south, supported by the United States, undermine the ceasefire agreement, calling on mediators to address the situation promptly.

He warned that Hamas and other Palestinian factions "are prepared to respond to this move," hinting at the possibility of resuming attacks against Israel.

Regarding ongoing negotiations, Abu Zuhri stated that "there is no progress in contacts with mediators because the occupation refuses to engage in negotiations."

He reaffirmed that Hamas "will not release the Israeli prisoners unless the occupation commits to ending hostilities, fully withdraws from Gaza, and lifts the blockade on the Strip."

Hamas had earlier rejected Israel's latest demand to extend the first phase of the ceasefire deal. Subsequently, Israel resumed ground operations on Tuesday, issuing an ultimatum for the release of hostages and the removal of Hamas from power. This operation followed intense airstrikes that resulted in over 400 Palestinian casualties, primarily women and children, marking the conflict's deadliest day in 17 months.

The Israeli military stated that the ground operations aim to expand the security perimeter and create a buffer between northern and southern Gaza. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that failure to release hostages and dismantle Hamas would lead to "total destruction."

The resumption of hostilities has elicited international condemnation, particularly regarding civilian casualties and damage to UN facilities.

On Wednesday at UN guesthouses, one UN worker died and five others were severely wounded during the renewed Israeli bombing in Gaza.

"What's happening in Gaza is unconscionable. I am shocked and devastated by this tragic news," UN Executive Director of Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Jorge Moreira da Silva, said.

Analyst: pressure to secure hostage releases

Analysts suggest that Israel's actions are driven by its desire to prevent Hamas from strengthening its position and to pressure the group into negotiations.

Qin Tian, deputy director of the Institute of Middle East Studies at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told China Media Group that Israel seeks to prevent Hamas from re-emerging as a formidable force on its border, aiming to use military pressure to secure the release of hostages.

The Israeli government was facing tremendous public pressure at home, so its strategy was to get more hostages back by extending the first phase of the ceasefire, he said, adding that when Hamas did not agree to its demand, Israel used force to try and force Hamas's hand.

(With input from agencies)