Hamas appeals to UN over Israeli offensive, says ready for agreement

The Palestinian movement Hamas has reaffirmed its willingness to reach a ceasefire agreement with Israel in the Gaza Strip, while strongly condemning Israel’s newly approved military plans as a violation of international law.

In a statement posted on its official Telegram channel, Hamas denounced the Israeli cabinet’s decision to seize control of Gaza City and forcibly evacuate its population, calling it “a full-fledged war crime.” The group urged international institutions to act swiftly.

“We call on the UN, the International Court of Justice, and the International Criminal Court to assume their legal and moral responsibilities and take urgent measures to stop this plan,” the statement said. Hamas also demanded that Israeli leaders be held accountable for alleged crimes against the Palestinian people.

At the same time, the group confirmed its readiness to move forward with a ceasefire deal. “We reiterate that in our contacts with Egyptian and Qatari mediators, we have shown maximum flexibility and a positive approach to facilitate a ceasefire. We are committed to taking all necessary steps to pave the way for an agreement,” the statement added.

On August 7, following ten hours of internal deliberations, Israel’s security cabinet approved a plan to occupy Gaza City, marking a potential first step toward full military control of the Gaza Strip. The planned operation is expected to last several months and displace up to one million civilians.

The move has reportedly faced internal opposition, including from Israel Defence Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.

The Israeli government later confirmed the decision in a public statement. “The IDF will prepare to establish control over Gaza City while ensuring humanitarian aid reaches civilians outside the combat zones,” said Dmitry Gendelman, an adviser in the Prime Minister’s Office.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously stated that Israel does not intend to annexe Gaza after the conflict ends. Instead, he envisions transferring authority to an interim administration—possibly composed of Arab forces—that is unaffiliated with either Hamas or the Palestinian National Authority, which governs the West Bank.

Netanyahu also emphasised Israel’s objectives: to eliminate Hamas, to secure the release of remaining hostages—of whom around 50 are still held, with approximately 20 believed to be alive—and to create a security buffer zone in Gaza to prevent future threats.

By Tamilla Hasanova