Hamas: An end to Israeli occupation will end Gaza refugee crisis

Hamas stated that the Palestinian refugee crisis will not end until the Israeli occupation ends, Middle East Eye reported on June 20th.

The group marked World Refugee Day by declaring that refugees must return to their original homes for any solution to exist. Hamas condemned Israeli military operations in the West Bank refugee camps.

It described these actions as a dangerous effort to worsen the refugee crisis through destruction and displacement. Hamas also rejected efforts to undermine The United Nations’ Palestinian refugee agency’s support for Palestinian refugees, accusing the United States of backing these moves.

Previously The National reported on May 30th that Hamas viewed the Gaza truce proposal from US envoy Steve Witkoff as distorted and biased towards Israel. Although Hamas continues to review the plan, it is likely to reject it unless changes are made. The group criticised the plan for lacking firm guarantees on ending the war and securing Israeli withdrawal.

Hamas also objected to the proposal’s handling of humanitarian aid and indirect negotiations during the proposed 60-day truce. Hamas chief Khalil al-Hayya clarified in a recorded address that the group did not reject the recent ceasefire offer from US envoy Steve Witkoff, Middle East Eye reported on June 5th and Maghrebi cited.

Additionally, on June 12th Al-Monitor reported that the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

The resolution called for the the immediate release of hostages and an end to Israel’s blockade, to allow aid into Gaza. The resolution also condemned the use of starvation as a method of warfare.

Al-Monitor, Middle East Eye, The National, Maghrebi.org