Senior Hamas Leader Declares Hostage-Ceasefire Talks Pointless Amid Escalating ‘Hunger War’ in Gaza

Report by Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

A senior Hamas official stated Monday that there is “no sense” in continuing hostage-ceasefire negotiations while the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip continues to deteriorate, describing Israel’s military pressure and blockade as a “hunger war” against the Palestinian population.

Osama Hamdan, a senior spokesperson for Hamas, said in a televised statement that the severe shortage of food, medicine, and basic supplies has created intolerable conditions in Gaza. He accused Israel of deliberately using starvation as a weapon of war while simultaneously demanding concessions in ongoing talks over hostages held by Hamas.

“There is no logic in negotiations while the Palestinian people are being starved and bombarded. Israel cannot speak of a ceasefire deal and continue the hunger war at the same time,” Hamdan said.

The comments came just days after renewed Qatari- and Egyptian-mediated negotiations failed to produce a breakthrough on a truce and hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas. Israel has continued its military operations in central and southern Gaza, claiming it seeks to dismantle remaining Hamas battalions.

The United Nations and humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned that Gaza is on the brink of famine, with thousands of children at risk due to malnutrition and the collapse of medical services. International aid efforts remain stalled, with border access and aid convoys severely limited by the ongoing fighting and Israeli security checks.

Israel maintains that Hamas continues to use civilian infrastructure to conceal its fighters and weaponry, complicating relief operations. Israeli officials insist that any ceasefire agreement must include the release of hostages taken during the October 2023 attacks and the dismantling of Hamas military capabilities.